Protective article against heat and / or flames and / or electric arc; method of 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 longitudinal 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). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Protective article against heat and / or flames and / or electric arc, method for manufacturing such an article 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] Articles for protection 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 (for example 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 ionization of the insulating medium (generally air); this ionization occurs more readily the closer the conductive surfaces are. 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 degrees Celsius (°C) to 20,000 degrees Celsius (°C). The electric arc produces a very powerful blast which generates the sudden emission of blinding light and intense heat, and thus can cause very serious, even fatal, burns.

[0006] An electric 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; defective or damaged insulation; the presence of dust and condensation on insulating materials (dust and / or moisture are a path for electric current and can lead to arc flashes). Bypass wiring (which creates 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 arc flash increases when live conductors or circuit components 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), in particular 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 more than 80 kW / m2 and must remain as functional as possible. 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.

[0012] Assembling the different layers of a protective article used for the manufacture of protective clothing is complex. These different layers can be assembled by gluing and / or sewing; however, the gluing methods and / or sewing threads, or even the perforations caused by the seams, must not reduce the protective performance and comfort. Furthermore, the resulting assembly must be sufficiently flexible to be used, particularly in the manufacture of protective clothing. We are constantly seeking to improve these items in terms of weight, appearance quality, ease of manufacture, and mechanical and / or thermal resistance.

[0013] We also seek to improve the protection offered against heat and / or flames and / or electric arc of such protective articles. Description of the invention

[0014] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates 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 disposed between said 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. This 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, said intermediate longitudinal elements extend in the weft direction.

[0015] Advantageously, the intermediate longitudinal element(s) of the intermediate layer, arranged between the first and second woven layers, separate the latter by a determined thickness corresponding to the thickness of said intermediate longitudinal elements. It has been observed that this arrangement makes it possible to limit the contact areas directly between the first and second woven layers, these contact areas forming points of weakness that promote the diffusion of the energy of an electric arc from the outer face of the first woven layer to the outer face of the second woven layer.

[0016] 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.

[0017] Furthermore, this arrangement makes it possible to form a multilayer fabric with a unitary woven construction, in a single woven piece, thus avoiding the layering and bonding operations of the different layers together. The resistance to delamination between the different woven layers is therefore naturally improved.

[0018] It is thus possible to obtain a multilayer fabric whose surface mass is reduced compared to the complexes of the prior art, with at least equal performance in terms of resistance to electric arc and / or protection against heat / flames.

[0019] Article for protection against flames and / or heat and / or electric arc

[0020] Advantageously, the protective article comprises an external face, in particular the front face, and an internal face, in particular the back face, substantially opposite and / or substantially parallel to each other.

[0021] Advantageously, the first woven layer comprises an outer face forming all or part of the outer face of said protective article.

[0022] Advantageously, the second woven layer comprises an outer face forming all or part of the inner face of said protective article. Multilayer fabric

[0023] Advantageously, the first woven layer is oriented / arranged to be disposed in operation towards the flames and / or the electric arc and / or the heat, possibly providing the function of an external fabric.

[0024] Advantageously, the intermediate layer provides the function of a thermal barrier.

[0025] Advantageously, the second woven layer is oriented / arranged in operation towards the subject (i.e. the body of the wearer of the protective article and / or the clothing article) to be protected from flames and / or electric arc and / or heat, possibly providing the function of an internal lining.

[0026] The multilayer fabric comprises a weft direction (T) and a warp direction (C), in particular substantially perpendicular to the weft direction.

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

[0028] The warp yarns 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 non-flammable yarns at least in part.

[0031] In one embodiment, said protective article further comprises an internal lining, in particular superimposed at least in part on the second woven layer, and optionally an external textile, in particular an external fabric, in particular superimposed at least in part on the first woven layer.

[0032] Advantageously, the multilayer fabric comprises at least three woven layers, in particular consists essentially of the first and second woven layers and the intermediate woven layer.

[0033] Advantageously, the multilayer fabric does not exhibit dimensional shrinkage under the effect of a high temperature (for example, greater than or equal to 100°C) and / or does not no pocket(s) form under the effect of a high temperature (for example greater than or equal to 100°C).

[0034] Advantageously, the multilayer fabric is a unit-woven construction fabric.

[0035] Advantageously, the multilayer fabric is monolithic.

[0036] Advantageously, the multilayer fabric is in a single woven piece.

[0037] Advantageously, the first and second woven layers and the intermediate woven layer are of unitary woven construction or are woven together by means of one or more woven yarn(s).

[0038] A unitary woven construction fabric is understood to be a fabric obtained directly from a loom and / or monolithic.

[0039] Advantageously, the multilayer fabric comprises non-flammable fibers and / or non-flammable yarns at least in part, preferably 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.Advantageously, the multilayer fabric comprises flammable fibers and / or flammable yarns at least in part, preferably comprising 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, and even more preferably at most 35% by mass of flammable fibers and / or flammable yarns at least in part. 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.

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] For example, the 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.

[0044] In one sub-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, approximately 45% by mass + / - 10% of aramid fibers and / or aramid yarns; and / or - 15% to 60% by mass, in particular 15% to 30% by mass, of modacrylic fibers and / or modacrylic yarns, preferably in the order of 20% by mass, within + / - 10%, of modacrylic fibers and / or modacrylic yarns; and / or - 15% to 60% by mass, preferably 15% to 30% by mass, of cellulose fibers and / or cellulose yarns, possibly treated with flame retardants, preferably around 20% by mass, give or take 5%, of cellulose fibers and / or cellulose yarns, particularly 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, especially polyamide such as PA 6-6, preferably around 10% by mass to within + / - 5% of flammable synthetic fibers and / or flammable synthetic yarns. 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 even 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 preceding 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. 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.

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

[0049] Advantageously, the multilayer fabric is a double-fabric.

[0050] Advantageously, the weave structure or bonding method of the double-layered fabric, or multilayered 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 specificities / 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 of 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 of said warp yarns are also woven with the first weft yarns.

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

[0054] In particular, the first woven layer comprises the weft yarn web woven with the first warp yarn web, weft yarns of said weft yarn web are also woven with the second warp yarn web; or the second woven layer comprises the weft yarn web woven with the second warp yarn web, weft yarns of said weft yarn web are also woven with the first warp yarn web.

[0055] Advantageously, in the second and third embodiments, the multilayer fabric is a double-sided fabric. Intermediate elongated elements

[0056] Advantageously, the intermediate longitudinal elements include, in particular, intermediate longitudinal elements of forage (ELIF), and possibly intermediate longitudinal elements of bridging (ELIF) (in particular as described below).

[0057] Advantageously, the intermediate layer comprises, or is essentially made up of, intermediate elongated elements, in particular ELIFs and / or ELIPs.

[0058] Advantageously, the intermediate longline elements, in particular the intermediate longline elements of forage and / or the intermediate longline elements of bridging, include, or are, long elements selected from: knitted chains; felt strips; braids; yarns, in particular spun fiber yarns and multifilament yarns; strands each comprising several yarns, for example twisted yarns or parallel yarns; a cable (for example, cabled yarns); or a combination thereof; preferably yarns and strands of several yarns.

[0059] Preferably, the intermediate longline elements, in particular bridging and / or filling elements, 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 even a mixture of the latter.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Advantageously, the intermediate elongated elements comprise, or are, spun yarns of aramid fibers.

[0063] 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.

[0064] Advantageously, the presence of microfilaments and / or microfibers in the intermediate layer allows it to filter fine particles, i.e., to retain the fine particles in 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 performs this function in the prior art.

[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 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 the NFPA 70E standard described below.

[0068] 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 the NFPA 70E standard described below.

[0069] First woven layer / Second woven layer / Intermediate woven layer

[0070] 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 / comprise non-flammable fibers and / or non-flammable yarns at least in part, preferably each comprises / comprise 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] In a first example, the second woven layer comprises predominantly by mass cellulosic fibers and / or yarns, possibly flame-retardant treated, in particular selected from viscose and cotton, or a blend thereof. For example, the second woven layer comprises at least 50% by mass, 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.

[0074] In a second example, the second woven layer comprises predominantly modacrylic fibers and / or yarns by mass. For example, the second woven layer comprises at least 50% by mass, in particular at least 80% by mass, of modacrylic fibers and / or yarns.

[0075] 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 comprises 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. 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] Preferably, the first woven layer comprises non-flammable weft yarns at least partly having a linear mass ranging from 10 tex to 70 tex.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 (tl in tex) lower, in particular less than or equal to 20% (tl < t2*0.80), more preferably less than or equal to 50% (tl < t2*0.50), than the linear mass (t2 in tex) of the intermediate longitudinal elements, in particular of bridging and / or of filling.

[0081] Fibres / Yarns of the multilayer fabric, or of any of the first layer woven, of the intermediate layer and of the second woven layer

[0082] 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 monofilamentary yarns, preferably spun fiber yarns and / or multifilamentary yarns, again preferably spun fiber yarns.

[0083] Said wires may be non-flammable or flammable or non-flammable at least in part or flammable at least in part.

[0084] Fiber-spun yarns may comprise, or be formed of, non-flammable fibers or flammable fibers, or a mixture of the latter.

[0085] In the present text, a non-flammable yarn is understood to mean at least in part 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.

[0086] In the present 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.

[0087] The fibers in the present text are preferably in the form of spun fiber yarns.

[0088] Preferably, the first layer comprises, in particular is formed of, fibers of warp and / or weft yarns which are non-flammable yarns at least in part.

[0089] Preferably, the second layer comprises, in particular is formed of, warp yarns and weft yarns that are at least partially flame-resistant. Preferably, the multilayer fabric and / or the intermediate longitudinal elements (in particular of the lining and / or bridging) and / or the first and / or second woven layers comprise (each) flame-resistant fibers and / or flame-resistant yarns selected from: flame-retardant treated cellulosic fibers and / or yarns; modacrylic fibers and / or yarns (optionally 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 (e.g., DuPont Kevlar®, Teijin Twaron BV TECHNORA® or TWARON®), and / or meta-aramid fibers and / or yarns (e.g., DuPont Nomex®, Teijin CONEX®, or Unitika APYEIL®), and / or polyamide imide fibers and / or yarns (e.g., KERMEL Kermel®), and / or polyimide fibers and / or yarns; flame-retardant treated high or very high molecular weight polyethylene fibers and / or yarns; 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).

[0090] Preferably, the multilayer fabric and / or the intermediate elongated elements (in particular of forage and / or bridging) and / or the first and / or second layers woven includes / include (each) flammable fibres and / or flammable yarns at least in part, in particular includes / include also (each) non-flammable fibres and / or non-flammable yarns at least in part (such as those mentioned above).

[0091] Preferably, said flammable fibers and / or flammable 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 of the latter, 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, in particular less than or equal to 80 GPa;

[0092] - a degradation temperature greater than or equal to 450°C; - a density greater than or equal to 1.40 g / cm³ and less than or equal to 1.50 g / cm³. 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%, notably greater than or equal to 15%;

[0093] - a degradation temperature greater than or equal to 350°C, in particular lower 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

[0094] Non-flammable fibres or non-flammable yarns or yarns that are at least partially non-flammable include: fibres, or yarns, or said at least a non-flammable portion of each of the yarns, having a limiting oxygen index (LOI, or LOI (Low Oxygen Index)) greater than or equal to 21%, preferably greater than or equal to 25%, 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 behavior by oxygen index - Part 2: Test at room temperature".

[0095] 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.

[0096] Flammable fibres, or flammable yarns, or yarns that are at least partially flammable include: fibres, or yarns, or said at least a flammable part of each of said yarns, having a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of less than or equal to 21%, preferably calculated according to ISO 4589-2:2017.

[0097] In this text, the term "cellulose fibers and / or yarns" means fibers and / or yarns made of natural cellulosic material (e.g., cotton, linen), or of regenerated or artificial cellulosic material (e.g., viscose), or in a combination of the latter.

[0098] In this text, ELI refers to an intermediate longline element, and ELIF or ELIP refers to an intermediate longline element for forage or bridging.

[0099] 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).

[0100] A component (fibres, wires, etc.) is understood to be the majority by mass in a given assembly as the component whose mass fraction is the most important in relation to the other mass fractions of the components that comprise said assembly, this mass fraction may be greater or less than 50%.

[0101] It is understood that a weft yarn, for example an intermediate elongated element of forage or bridging, is caught by a warp yarn of the first woven layer, meaning that said weft yarn passes under said warp yarn (and therefore does not emerge outside said warp yarn, and thus on the outer face of the first layer, at the point of catching). If this weft yarn passes over a warp yarn of the second woven layer, then this weft yarn is left by the warp yarn of the second woven layer (the weft yarn does not appear on the outer face of the second woven layer at the point of leaving).

[0102] It is understood that a weft thread, for example an intermediate longline bridging or sheathing element, is left by a warp thread of the first woven layer, that The weft yarn passes over the warp yarn (and therefore emerges on the outside of the warp yarn, i.e., on the outer face of the first woven layer at the point where it is left over). If this weft yarn passes under a warp yarn of the second woven layer, then it is caught by a warp yarn of the second woven layer, and if it passes over a warp yarn of the second woven layer, it is left over by the warp yarn of the second woven layer.

[0103] The notion of bottom or top 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. 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.

[0104] It is understood from the weft and / or warp threads of the first, or second, layer that they are woven together that they form picked and / or left overs between them.

[0105] It is understood by the weft and / or warp yarns of the first, or second, layer are woven with intermediate elongated elements that said weft and / or warp yarns are in connection (or held) with said intermediate elongated elements following a step of weaving the multilayer fabric.

[0106] The number of weft yarns separating two intermediate longitudinal elements (in particular bridging and / or sheathing yarns), or the percentages by number of warp yarns and / or weft yarns of a given layer forming slacks and / or slacks with other yarns, are calculated on the weave structure of the multilayer fabric, i.e., the weave structure exhibiting the smallest weave ratio or the smallest repetition pattern of the interlacing / weaving method of the yarns of the multilayer fabric with each other. Test methods

[0107] To ensure the performance level of a protective article, or protective clothing article, 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 may choose the test method.

[0108] 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 chamber)," notably dated February 2015. In particular, during the constrained arc test, also called arc in a test chamber, 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 assessed to ensure that it does not cause burns in the second instance. degree. The protective article or multilayer fabric, or the clothing article comprising said multilayer fabric or protective article, must retain its integrity (i.e., no torn seams) and the closures must be functional (no deterioration).

[0109] Depending on the results, the protective article or multilayer fabric is class 1 or class 2 (highest level). kA is the unit for kiloampere.

[0110] The open arc test is carried out with the method described in standard NF EN IEC 61482-1-1, in particular 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", in particular dating from 2019. In particular, during the open arc test, the resistance of the electric arc is expressed in ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value) and / or EBT (Energy Breakopen Threshold) value in cal / cm2 (calories per cm2 of multilayer fabric or protective article). 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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 and the multilayer fabric / protective article. With precise resistance performance, it is easier to select the multilayer fabric / protective article against electric arc that is best suited to the work environment and the associated risks.

[0113] The NFPA 70E standard (Handbook for Electrical Safety in the Workplace) defines different protection thresholds according to electrical hazards at work.

[0114] For risks related to electric arcs, the NFPA 70E standard defines 4 performance categories: 1a category 1 with an ATPV > 4 cal / cm2; category 2 with an ATPV > 8 cal / cm2; category 3 with an ATPV > 25 cal / cm2; and category 4 with an ATPV > 40 cal / cm2.

[0115] Preferably, a multilayer fabric, or a protective article, or even a clothing article, according to the invention, satisfies category(ies) 3 and / or 4.

[0116] Preferably, a multilayer fabric, or a protective article, or even a garment article, according to the invention, has an ATPV > 25 cal / cm2, more preferably has a ATPV > 40 cal / cm2, in particular measured according to the free arc test carried out with the method described in the IEC 61482-1-1 standard, in particular dating from 2019.

[0117] 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.

[0118] In particular, the said standard NF EN 469 dated July 2020 is entitled "Protective clothing for firefighters - Performance requirements for protective clothing for firefighting".

[0119] 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 standard NF EN 469, dated July 2020.

[0120] Preferably, said multilayer fabric conforms to level 1 of standard NF EN 469, of July 2020, in new condition.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] In one embodiment, the multilayer fabric includes long, spaced-apart bonding zones, in particular extending in the warp direction or the weft direction, especially in the weft direction, in which yarns A selected from the non-flammable yarns at least in part of the first woven layer are directly interlaced with yarns B selected from the non-flammable yarns at least in part of the second woven layer. Advantageously, this arrangement allows the creation of long, narrow dwellings, each delimited between two adjacent long, narrow bonding zones, in particular extending in the weft or warp direction of the multilayer fabric, more particularly in the weft direction of the multilayer fabric.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] Preferably, the multilayer fabric comprises 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.

[0128] 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), in particular at least two intermediate long, narrow fodder elements.

[0129] Advantageously, said ELIFs separate the first and second woven layers and thus give them a thickness linked to the linear mass of the ELIFs.

[0130] Preferably, the ELIFs are arranged freely in the longitudinal housings, in particular they are not directly interlaced with wires of the first layer and / or wires of the second layer.

[0131] This arrangement makes it possible not to crush the intermediate longline elements of forage and thus to maintain a significant and constant thickness in order to form the thermal barrier of the intermediate layer.

[0132] 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.

[0133] In particular, the multilayer fabric comprises long, linear bonding zones arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0134] For example, the intermediate longline element(s) each have a linear mass greater than or equal to 150 tex, in particular less than or equal to 300 tex, in particular in the order of 200 tex to within + / - 50 tex.

[0135] 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, in particular ranging from 3 to 7.

[0136] This minimum linear mass allows good performance, and in particular to reach categories 3 and 4 of the NFPA 70E standard (or level 1 of the EN NF EN 469 standard). Advantageously, the longitudinal pockets (or long-lined housings) have a shape substantially like flat tubes, notably extending in the weft direction.

[0137] In particular, the long, narrow housing units each have a shape that is essentially sausage-like.

[0138] Preferably, the longitudinal bonding zones comprise 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.

[0139] Advantageously, the long-line bonding zones extend substantially over all or part of the weft direction of the multilayer fabric.

[0140] Advantageously, a longitudinal bonding zone, in particular each longitudinal bonding zone, comprises yarns A, in particular warp yarns, of the first layer, directly interlaced with yarns B, in particular weft yarns, of the second layer so as to form a set of taken and / or left arranged along the longitudinal direction of said bonding zone, in particular in the weft direction of the multilayer fabric. 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 thread A of the first layer, or - forming a loop with a warp thread A from 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 weft formed on the second layer with said at least one weft yarn B is substantially opposite the weft formed on the first layer by the weft yarn(s) C. 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.

[0141] 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, notably by at most 15 weft yarns of the first layer.

[0142] Preferably, two adjacent longline bonding zones of the multilayer fabric are separated by at least 15 weft yarns of the first layer to within + / - 5 weft yarns.

[0143] Preferably, the multilayer fabric has a surface mass less than or equal to 450 g / m2. 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.

[0144] For example, the multilayer fabric has a surface mass of 395 g / m2 to within + / - 20 g / m2.

[0145] 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 do not directly interlace.

[0146] Advantageously, the first and second woven layers are joined, in particular substantially exclusively, in said joining zones by means of the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements.

[0147] Advantageously, the first and second woven layers are not directly joined by the interlacing of warp and / or weft yarns of the first layer with warp and / or weft yarns of the second layer.

[0148] Advantageously, the degree of bonding (or interlacing) 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. The linkage rate is understood to be the ratio between the number of take-ups and / or leave-ups formed between warp and / or weft yarns of the first layer with warp and / or weft yarns of the second layer and the total number of take-ups and / or leave-ups formed by the warp and weft yarns of the first layer.

[0149] This arrangement makes it possible to improve the flatness of the external faces of the first and second layers, in particular the flatness of the external face of the first layer, and thus to eliminate the formation of longitudinal hollow areas since there is no creation of elongated, sausage-shaped cavities, while maintaining said first and second layers separated from each other by the thickness at least of the intermediate elongated elements.

[0150] We thus observe an improvement in the resistance to the electric arc by limiting the propagation of energy from the first layer to the second layer.

[0151] Preferably, said at least one intermediate longline bridging 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.

[0152] Advantageously, the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements are bridging ducts inserted along all or part of the 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.

[0153] Advantageously, the long-line bonding zones extend substantially over all or part of the weft direction of the multilayer fabric.

[0154] In particular, the multilayer fabric includes long-line 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] In a sub-variant embodiment, the intermediate longitudinal elements are intermediate longitudinal bridging elements.

[0157] Advantageously, in this case, the intermediate layer consists essentially of the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements.

[0158] Advantageously, two adjacent intermediate longitudinal bridging elements are separated by at least one weft yarn from the first layer, preferably separated by at most 20 weft yarns from the first layer, more preferably separated by at most 15 weft yarns, preferably separated by at most 10 weft yarns from the first layer, more preferably separated by at least 3 weft yarns from the first layer.

[0159] Advantageously, two adjacent intermediate longitudinal bridging 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.

[0160] We therefore seek to arrange the intermediate longline bridging elements so that the empty spaces between them are reduced and thus form a continuous screen preventing contact between the first and second woven layers.

[0161] Preferably, in this case, the multilayer fabric has a surface mass less than or equal to 400 g / m2, for example 360 ​​g / m2 to within + / - 20 g / m2. 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.

[0162] This arrangement provides good results for protection against radiant and / or convective heat, particularly for protective clothing against heat and / or flames, notably for firefighters. Indeed, in this case, the intermediate layer acting as a thermal barrier may include voids (i.e., filled with air) between the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements. The air in this application also provides protection against radiant and / or convective heat.

[0163] Furthermore, it is possible to achieve an electric arc resistance of category 3 or 4, with a reduction in the surface mass of approximately 10% of the multilayer fabric compared to a multilayer fabric comprising long, sausage-shaped or flat tube-shaped housings.

[0164] 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, improves 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.

[0165] In one embodiment, the C yarns are warp yarns and form wefts with at least a portion of the intermediate bridging longitudinal elements with which they are woven, and the D yarns are warp yarns and form wefts with the intermediate bridging longitudinal elements with which they are woven. Preferably, the first layer comprises at least one weft yarn, or even more preferably at least two adjacent weft yarns, passing over at least a portion of each of the wefts, in particular each of the set of wefts, formed by the intermediate bridging longitudinal elements with the C yarns of the first layer.

[0166] This arrangement advantageously allows the outer face of the first layer to be covered with the leftover warp threads of the first layer, thus filling the gaps formed by the elongated bonding zones. This arrangement also allows the concealment of unsightly ELIPs or areas with poor colorfastness to washing.

[0167] In one embodiment, the multilayer fabric comprises at least one elongated housing, in particular extending in the weft direction, said at least one elongated housing extending between two elongated bonding zones adjacent and between the first and second woven layers and having an internal volume receiving one or more intermediate longline element(s) of fodder, in particular two to five intermediate longline elements of fodder, chosen from among the intermediate longline elements.

[0168] 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, thereby improving comfort and flexibility of the garment and reducing costs (as less material is used).

[0169] Indeed, the linear mass of the intermediate elongated elements (bridging and filling) is lower than the linear mass of the intermediate elongated bridging elements in the variant of the multilayer fabric that would comprise only elongated bridging elements, since in the latter case the linear mass of the bridging elements must be increased to fill / gamir the intermediate layer. A decrease in surface mass of approximately 20% is thus observed for equivalent performance. Preferably, the intermediate elongated filling elements are arranged freely within the elongated spaces; in particular, they are not interwoven with yarns of the first layer and / or yarns of the second layer. This arrangement prevents the intermediate elongated filling elements from being crushed and thus maintains a significant and constant thickness to form a solid screen of uniform thickness for the intermediate layer.

[0170] 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, notably by at most 10 weft yarns of the first layer. 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. Preferably, the multilayer fabric has a surface mass less than or equal to 400 g / m2, more preferably less than or equal to 350 g / m2. 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 to within + / - 20 g / m2. 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. Thus, in the direction of the frame, there are 1 to 3 intermediate longline forage elements for 1 intermediate longline bridging element. Advantageously, the intermediate longline elements of forage are arranged freely in the intermediate layer, i.e. without being directly interlaced, or pinched, with threads from the first and second woven layers. Advantageously, this arrangement allows for the formation of an intermediate layer creating a continuous and solid screen while optimizing the surface mass of the multilayer fabric. 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). 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.

[0172] In one variant, one or the intermediate linear element(s) has (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. 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. 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. 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.

[0173] In one embodiment, the first woven layer is the right side of the multilayer fabric. In one embodiment, the second woven layer is the reverse side of the multilayer fabric.

[0174] 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 longitudinal bridging element, i.e. each pass under an ELIP.

[0175] Advantageously, at least 20% by number of the non-flammable warp yarns at least in part of the first woven layer each form a left with one ELIP for one to 15 ELIPs which are taken by said warp yarns, preferably for one to 10 ELIPs which are taken by said warp yarns of the first layer.

[0176] In a sub-embodiment (exemplified in a non-limiting way in [Fig.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 longitudinal 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.

[0177] Advantageously, at least 50% by number, in particular between 60% and 85% by number, of 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.

[0178] 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 bridging longitudinal elements, in particular form a one-to-five ratio with the intermediate bridging longitudinal elements, for example a one-to-two ratio.

[0179] In a sub-embodiment (exemplified non-limitingly in Figures 8a, 8b, and 8c), at least 60% by number, preferably at least 80% by number, in particular all, of the flame-resistant warp yarns at least partially of the first woven layer, or of the second woven layer, each form at least one lay with an intermediate strand. Advantageously, at least 80% by number, in particular substantially all, of the flame-resistant warp yarns at least partially of the first woven layer, or of the second woven layer, form a lay for 1 to 10 strands with the intermediate strands of bridging, in particular forming a lay for 5 to 10 strands, for example a lay for 6 to 8 strands.

[0180] In one embodiment, two adjacent warp yarns of the first woven layer, or of the second woven layer, each form at least one weft loop with an intermediate longitudinal bridging element, and said two weft loops are offset by at least three weft yarns of the first (or second) layer, preferably by at least five weft yarns of the first (or second) layer, and even more preferably by no more than 15 weft yarns of the first (or second) layer, for example, by no more than 10 weft yarns of the first (or second) layer. This arrangement advantageously allows for balancing the multilayer fabric and controlling the splaying of the different yarns so that they are similar, thus facilitating weaving.

[0181] Preferably, the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements form leaves with warp yarns from the first layer, or from the second layer, which are arranged along lines extending diagonally with respect to the weft direction of the multilayer fabric, for example extend along a direction D forming an internal angle between 30° and 60° with respect to the weft direction (T) of said fabric.

[0182] Preferably, the lines extending diagonally are substantially parallel to each other.

[0183] In one embodiment, 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 longitudinal bridging element.

[0184] In one variant, the multilayer fabric includes intermediate elongated elements of forage, selected from the ELI, forming strands, in particular substantially exclusively, with the warp yarns C of the first layer, and forming strands, in particular substantially exclusively, with the warp yarns D of the second layer.

[0185] In one embodiment, at least a part, in particular at least 80% by number, more particularly substantially all, of the intermediate bridging elongated 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] In one variant, an intermediate longitudinal element of forage, in particular at least 80% by number of the intermediate longitudinal elements of forage, each has a linear mass greater than or equal to 20 tex, preferably less than or equal to 300 tex.

[0189] For example, one ELIF, or 80% by number of the ELIFs, each have a linear mass greater than or equal to 150 tex, in particular when the multilayer fabric includes longitudinal pockets / sausages (and does not include ELIPs).

[0190] For example, one ELIF, or 80% by number of the ELIFs, each have a linear mass less than or equal to 150 tex, in particular ranging from 40 tex to 120 tex, when the multilayer fabric also includes ELIPs.

[0191] Advantageously, at least part of the intermediate longitudinal 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.

[0192] This arrangement makes it possible to increase the thickness of the intermediate layer, and thus to separate the first and second layers from each other in a regular manner.

[0193] This arrangement helps to improve the flatness of the outer face of the first layer.

[0194] In one variant, an intermediate longitudinal bridging element, in particular at least 80% by number of the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements, each has a linear mass greater than or equal to 20 tex, preferably less than or equal to 300 tex.

[0195] For example, one ELIP, or 80% by number of the ELIPs, each have a linear mass less than or equal to 150 tex, in particular ranging from 40 tex to 120 tex.

[0196] The advantages described in the previous paragraph are also found.

[0197] 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 em 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 em and less than or equal to 1.5 * em.

[0198] The multilayer fabric, by virtue of its construction, particularly when intermediate longitudinal bridging elements are used, has a substantially constant thickness, and therefore substantially flat external faces without hollows or surface defects.

[0199] This provision, as mentioned above, makes it possible to improve resistance to electric arc in particular.

[0200] 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.

[0201] In one example, the average thickness (em) is greater than or equal to 0.8 mm, in particular less than or equal to 1.20 mm.

[0202] The multilayer fabric according to the invention has a substantially constant, but low, thickness, with a reduced surface mass, offering equivalent performance to prior art protective fabrics. These advantages improve comfort (greater flexibility, lighter weight) and reduce manufacturing costs (less material, less unit woven construction).

[0203] The average thickness is calculated by averaging 15 point thicknesses measured on the multilayer fabric. The point thicknesses can be measured on a photograph of a cross-section of the multilayer fabric using a graduated ruler.

[0204] In one embodiment, at least one intermediate elongated forage element (in particular at least 80% by number) has a linear mass T1 (tex), and at least one intermediate elongated bridging element (at least 80% by number) has a linear mass T2 (tex), and 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. Advantageously, the intermediate elongated forage elements are not trapped and constrained by bonds with yarns of the first and second woven layers and are therefore left with greater loft. In order to obtain a thick and flat multilayer fabric, it is advantageous for the intermediate elongated forage elements (ELIPs) to be larger to obtain a volume equivalent to the intermediate elongated forage elements (ELIFs), in particular when a bonding zone comprises a single ELIP.

[0205] 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.

[0206] Preferably, said charge is a carbon black charge.

[0207] 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.

[0208] In the event of degradation of 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.

[0209] Preferably, infrared reflectance is measured with an infrared spectrophotometer, for example those marketed by ThermoScientific.

[0210] 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.

[0211] 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.

[0212] Preferably, the inner lining forms the inner end face of said garment.

[0213] In a second embodiment, possibly in combination with the first embodiment, the garment also includes a waterproof-breathable membrane, possibly associated with a substrate, disposed directly opposite the outer face of the second woven layer, possibly disposed between the second woven layer and the inner lining.

[0214] The membrane can be turned towards the outside of the garment or towards the inside of the garment.

[0215] For example, the waterproof-breathable membrane is oriented directly opposite the outer face of the second woven layer.

[0216] For example, the article of clothing 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 internal lining. When the breathable waterproof membrane is combined with the substrate, they are preferably laminated together.

[0217] 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).

[0218] 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 internal lining.

[0219] When the breathable waterproof membrane is associated with the substrate, the latter are preferably laminated together.

[0220] 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 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 article.

[0221] 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 multilayer fabric according to the invention, the second woven layer preferably forming an internal lining. Preferably, the multilayer fabric, particularly the middle layer, includes microfibers to provide particle filtration. Preferably, the garment does not include a waterproof / breathable membrane.

[0222] 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 stage: of a first woven layer, a second woven layer, and an intermediate layer woven with said first and second woven layers and comprising intermediate elongated woven elements, said intermediate layer being arranged between said first and second woven layers so as to form a multilayer fabric of which at least one of the first and second The woven layers include at least some non-flammable yarns. The multilayer fabric includes a warp direction and a weft direction, and the intermediate longitudinal elements include at least some non-flammable fibers and / or non-flammable yarns, in particular said intermediate longitudinal elements extend in the weft direction.

[0223] The present invention relates, according to a fourth aspect, to the use of a protective article according to any one of the embodiment variants 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.

[0224] 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

[0225] 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 accompanying figures, in which:

[0226] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] represents schematically and in perspective a first example of a multilayer fabric according to the invention;

[0227] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents schematically and in perspective view a second example of a multilayer fabric according to the invention;

[0228] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents schematically and in perspective a third example of a multilayer fabric according to the invention;

[0229] [Fig.4] [Fig.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;

[0230] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a photograph of the fourth example of multilayer fabric also represented in [Fig.4], and viewed from its reverse side, or from the external side of the second layer of said multilayer fabric;

[0231] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] schematically represents a first example of a weaving structure of a multilayer fabric according to the invention, such as the multilayer fabric shown in [Fig.1];

[0232] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] schematically represents a second example of a weaving structure of a multilayer fabric according to the invention, such as the multilayer fabric shown in [Fig.3];

[0233] [Fig.8A] [Fig.8A] schematically represents the first part of a third example of a weave of a multilayer fabric according to the invention, such as the multilayer fabric shown in [Fig.3];

[0234] [Fig.8B] [Fig.8B] schematically represents the second part of the third example of weaving armor shown in [Fig.8A], the second part following the first part;

[0235] [Fig.8C] [Fig.8C] schematically represents the third part of the third example of weave shown in [Fig.8B], the third part following the second part.

[0236] The warp yarns of the first woven layers are represented with a dotted line in figures 6,7 and 8A,8B and 8C. Description of the implementation methods

[0237] The first example of multilayer fabric 10 shown in [Fig.1] comprises 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 forage 32.

[0238] Advantageously, the multilayer fabric 10 and the intermediate elongated elements (30,32) comprise spun yarns of non-flammable fibers at least in part.

[0239] The multilayer fabric 10 comprises a weft direction (T) and a warp direction (C).

[0240] 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.

[0241] Advantageously, these long-line bonding 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.

[0242] Figure 6 shows an example of a weave structure 50 suitable for weaving the multilayer fabric 10. The left-hand side 52 of Figure 6 is a representation of a weave structure, i.e., the interweaving of the threads. The right-hand side 54 of Figure 6 is a cross-sectional representation of the fabric 10, the interweaving corresponding to that shown on the left-hand side 52. Conventionally, a weave structure is represented according to the representation shown on the left-hand side 52.

[0243] The weave 50 represents the smallest repeating pattern of the interlacing mode of the threads of the multilayer fabric 10 with each other.

[0244] On the right-hand 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).

[0245] 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.

[0246] 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.

[0247] 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.

[0248] Advantageously, the intermediate longline elements of forage 30,32 are arranged freely, that is to say without being directly interlaced with wires 16,17 of the first layer 15 and wires 21,22 of the second layer 20.

[0249] On the right-hand side 54, it is not possible to insert all the wire references for readability reasons.

[0250] Advantageously, a long-line housing 45 is delimited between two adjacent long-line solidarity zones 40, and includes two intermediate long-line fodder elements 30,32.

[0251] 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.

[0252] 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.

[0253] The multilayer fabric 10 comprises a first end face 12, or external face of the first layer 15, and a second end face 14, or external face of the second layer 20. The multilayer fabric 10 has an average thickness emi0 of about 1 mm at + / - 0.5 mm.

[0254] 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% of meta-aramid fibers at + / - 5%, 30% of modacrylic fibers at + / - 5%, 25% of cotton fibers at + / - 5%, 10% of polyamide 6-6 fibers at + / - 5%, and possibly 1% of 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 polyamide imide and / or polyimide fibers) and about 50% to + / - 10% of flame-retardant treated regenerated viscose fibers.

[0255] The multilayer fabric 10, for example, has a surface mass of 395 g / m² to within + / - 10 g / m². Preferably, the multilayer fabric 10 has a weave of 39 warp threads to within + / - 20% by 49 weft threads to within + / - 20% per cm².

[0256] The multilayer fabric 10 is preferably used in a garment for firefighters.

[0257] 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 level of the longitudinal bonding zones 40. The fabric 10 exhibits good performance under electric arc in that it allows reaching 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.

[0258] The multilayer fabric 10 has a unit-woven construction, which makes it lightweight compared to prior art textile composites weighing over 500 g / m². The construction of the longitudinal housings 45 also allows for the free placement of intermediate longitudinal elements with a high linear mass, thus enhancing the thick screen effect of the intermediate layer 25. The multilayer fabric 10 exhibits good heat and flame protection performance.

[0259] The multilayer fabric 60 shown schematically in [Fig.2] comprises first and second woven layers 65 and 70, and an intermediate layer 75 comprising intermediate elongated elements 78, in particular bridging elements 80, more particularly arranged in the weft direction T of the multilayer fabric 60. Advantageously, warp yarns of the first layer 65 are directly interlaced with intermediate bridging elements 80, forming loops with these intermediate bridging elements. Simultaneously, warp yarns of the second layer 70 are also directly interlaced with intermediate bridging elements 80, forming loops with said intermediate bridging elements 80. Advantageously, the first and second woven layers 65 and 70 do not include 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 bridging zones 85 each include an intermediate bridging element 78 and 80. The warp and weft yarns of the first and second layers 65 and 70 can be similar to 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 em60 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 makes it possible to improve the resistance to electric arcs (achieving categories 3 and 4) while reducing the surface mass of the fabric 60, which is, for example, approximately 360 g / m² ± 10 g / m². The fiber composition of the multilayer fabric 60 is similar to that of the multilayer fabric 10.The yarns of the 60 multilayer fabric are similar to the yarns of the 10 fabric, the difference being that the ELIPs have a lower linear mass than the ELIFs of the 10 fabric, in this specific example between 40 and 120 tex.

[0260] The multilayer fabric 100 schematically represented in [Fig. 3] advantageously 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 emioo 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 compartments 165, each receiving one or more intermediate longitudinal forage elements 130, in particular two forage elements each. 130.The long, narrow dwellings 165 are in particular delimited between two adjacent long, narrow solidarity zones 160. This arrangement allows. advantageously improves the flatness of the external faces 112,114 since the intermediate layer 150 is filled with intermediate elongated elements 130,140 forming a substantially continuous screen. Furthermore, it is possible to better distribute 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 comprising only intermediate bridging elongated elements 78,80 separated regularly by junctions between the first and second woven layers. This arrangement thus makes it possible to obtain a 100 multilayer fabric that is lighter than the 60 multilayer fabric. 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.

[0261] Figures 4 and 5 are photographs of a fourth example of multilayer fabric that may correspond to multilayer fabric 100, so that the references of the latter are repeated in Figures 4 and 5.

[0262] 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-hand part of the first layer 110 is removed in Figure 4 to visualize the intermediate layer 150. It can thus be seen that the intermediate layer 150 comprises intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 140 forming longitudinal bonding zones 160 and intermediate longitudinal filling 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 threads 125.The strands are spaced apart so as to form portions of floats 116 in 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 longitudinal forage elements 130 are arranged freely in the weft direction T between two intermediate longitudinal 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.

[0263] In [Fig. 5], the 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 part of the second layer 120 is removed to visualize the intermediate layer 150. On the lower part 170, the intermediate elongated forage elements 130 are removed, and only the intermediate elongated bridging elements 140 are visible. Between two adjacent intermediate elongated bridging elements 140, elongated housings 165 can be distinguished. In the upper right part 180 of the photograph, the intermediate elongated bridging elements 140 and the forage 130 are visible. Advantageously, the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 140 are attached to the first layer 110 by means of warp threads of said first layer 110 forming slivers 115. Portions of floats 116 formed in the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 140 are also found between each sliver 115. The floats 116 extend opposite a determined number of weft threads of the first and second layers 110,120, for example between 10 and 15 weft threads of each of said layers 110,120.

[0264] Figure 7 shows a second example of a weave structure 200 according to the invention suitable for producing a multilayer fabric such as the multilayer fabric 100 shown in Figure 3. The weave structure 200 of Figure 7 is the smallest repeating pattern of the weave of the multilayer fabric yarns 210 together. The part of the weave on the left 202 is a first representation of the yarn interweaving. The weave ratio is 8 warp yarns to 12 weft yarns for the first woven layer 220, and the weave ratio is 8 warp yarns to 6 weft yarns for the second woven layer 240. The weave ratio for the ELI is 4, in particular 2 ELIF and 2 ELIP. 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.

[0265] A white square represents a warp yarn forming a weft with a weft yarn or an intermediate longitudinal element 250 and a black or hatched square represents a warp yarn (represented respectively with a solid line and a dashed line) forming a weft with a weft yarn or an intermediate longitudinal element 250.

[0266] The right-hand part 203 of the weave structure 200 is a different representation of the weaving of the threads together. 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 elongated elements Intermediate 250s are represented by larger, bold circles. The weave of the first layer 220 is shown next to the weave of the second layer 240, and so on until the weave ratio is reached.

[0267] 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.

[0268] For the sake of simplicity, references 225, 228, 245, 248, 254 and 256 are not shown for each yarn or ELI. The intermediate bridging longitudinal elements 254 are shown substantially on the same row in the weft direction, as are the intermediate forage longitudinal elements 256.

[0269] It is thus noted that advantageously the intermediate longitudinal forage elements 256 are taken by the warp wires 225 and are left by the warp wires 245. The ELIF 256 are therefore freely arranged in the longitudinal housings 262 delimited each between two adjacent intermediate longitudinal 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 Cl 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 CIO with an intermediate longline bridging element 254. Thus, of the 8 warp wires 225 arranged on the columns Cl, C3, C5, C7, C9, Cil, C13 and C15, only the warp wires 225 arranged on the columns Cl 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. In this specific example, a warp thread 245 forms approximately one loop every approximately 6 weft threads 248 (this warp thread 245 is a non-limiting example of a D thread as defined in this text). During the weave repetition, the loops 226, 227 and loops are used. 246, 247 will shift to the following columns of fabric 210 so that the wefts, respectively the bridging elements, are arranged diagonally in 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 bridging elements (246, 247) with bridging elements 254. But on the smallest weave pattern, we thus observe that the bridging elements 254 form few wefts with the warp yarns 225 and few bridging elements with the warp yarns 245 of the first and second layers 220, 240 so as to maintain first and second end faces that are substantially flat, without hollows related to deformation in the long-line bonding zones between the said first and second layers 220,240.In particular, between two leftovers 226 and two taken 246, portions of floats of the intermediate longitudinal bridging element 254 of approximately 3 and 6 weft yarns 228 and 248 respectively are observed. The intermediate layer thus comprises bridging elements 254 forming leftovers with the warp yarns 225 and taken strands with the warp yarns 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 longitudinal bridging elements 254 and forage 256 in order to provide an improved arc flash protection screen.

[0270] Figures 8a, 8b, and 8C respectively represent 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 [Fig. 3]. The weave structure 300 shown in Figures 8A, 8b, and 8C is the smallest repeating pattern of the weave of the yarns of the multilayer fabric 310 with each other. 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.

[0271] A white square represents a warp yarn forming a weft with a weft yarn or an intermediate longitudinal element 350 and a black or hatched square represents a warp yarn forming a weft with a weft yarn or an intermediate longitudinal element 350.

[0272] The right-hand side 303 of the weave structure 300 is a different representation of the weaving of the yarns together. The warp yarns 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 yarns 324, 344 represented by small circles or intermediate elongated elements 350 represented by larger circles in bold. The weave of the first layer 320 is shown next to the weave of the second layer 340, and so on until the weave ratio is reached.

[0273] Warp threads 325 are represented with a dotted line and warp threads 345 are represented with a solid line.

[0274] 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.

[0275] For the sake of simplicity, references 324, 325, 344, 345 are not shown for each yarn. The intermediate bridging longitudinal elements 354 are shown substantially on the same row in the weft direction, as are the intermediate filling longitudinal elements 356.

[0276] 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 determined 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.

[0277] 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 herein), 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 takens 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376 and 377 with the intermediate bridging long-strand elements of bridging 354 (these chain threads 345 are non-limiting examples of the D threads defined in this text).

[0278] In this specific example, a warp yarn 325 forms approximately one weft every approximately 48 weft yarns 324, and a warp yarn 345 forms approximately one weft every approximately 24 weft yarns 344. During the repetition of the weave, the wefts 326-334 and the wefts 370-377 will shift to the following columns of the fabric 310 so that the wefts and wefts of the ELIPs 354 are arranged diagonally in the fabric 310. It is thus observed that the bridging elements 354 are left only slightly by the warp yarns 325 and are held only slightly 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.

[0279] 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 comprises 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.

[0280] Compared to multilayer fabric 300, multilayer fabric 200 is less likely to form pockets / blisters during washing, and therefore offers better wash resistance. Indeed, in multilayer fabric 210, only some of the warp yarns interact with the ELIP. In fabric 310, all the warp yarns in the weave pattern are in direct interlacing with the ELIP in turn, which ensures a uniform yarn length in the multilayer fabric and therefore uniform tension for all the warp yarns in the first woven layer and uniform tension for all the warp yarns in the second woven layer, regardless of the linear density of the ELIP.

[0281] In conclusion, multilayer fabrics of the type of multilayer fabric 10 provide arc flash protection of category 2 or 3. In the case of the specific construction described above, an ATPV of 24.4 cal / cm² was obtained. The thickness of this type of fabric 10 is not sufficiently consistent; in fact, flat, sausage-like tubes form at the direct bonding between the first and second layers. It was thus observed after the arc flash test that the areas not covered by the intermediate elongated forage elements (and therefore at the bonding zones) are charred up to the second end face of the fabric.

[0282] The fibre composition of the multilayer fabric 100, 210 or 310 is similar to that of the multilayer fabric 10. The yarns of the multilayer fabric 100, 210 or 310 are similar to the yarns of the fabric 10, the difference being in the ELIP and ELIF which have a lower linear mass than the ELIF of the fabric 10, in this specific example between 40 and 120 tex.

[0283] Multilayer fabrics of type 100, 210, or 310 advantageously allow the first and second woven layers to be joined indirectly via longitudinal bridging elements, such 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 padding elements. The multilayer fabric thus comprises compartments delimited between the bridging elements, and these compartments are filled with longitudinal padding elements having a linear mass close to that of the bridging elements. This arrangement advantageously allows the creation of a single three-layer fabric, such as a double wall.These tissues achieve ATPV arc resistance values ​​greater than or equal to 25 cal / cm2, and in particular greater than or equal to 40 cal / cm2.

[0284] 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 the flame) and radiant (proximity to a fire) heat sources. The thickness achieved in these multilayer fabrics is indeed conducive to thermal protection.

[0285] For police riot control clothing, the first woven layer of the multilayer fabric may include meta-aramid fibers and / or yarns, in particular for their abrasion resistance and maintenance of a professional appearance after washing, and the second woven layer and / or intermediate longitudinal elements of lining and / or bridging may include predominantly by mass para-aramid fibers and / or yarns, in particular for mechanical strength, thermal insulation and protection against mortar fire which represents a new threat to law enforcement.

[0286] For this latter risk, the thermal and mechanical resistance of the integrated multilayer fabric is particularly effective. Moreover, in the event of burning residues remaining on the first end face of the multilayer fabric (or front face), the advantageous structure of the multilayer fabric with an intermediate layer comprising intermediate longitudinal elements of filling and / or bridging is particularly advantageous because there is no problem of continuity of thickness for the purposes of protection against the risks of convective heat.

Claims

Demands

1. Article for protection against heat and / or flames and / or electric arc, 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 that the intermediate layer (25,75,150,360) comprises intermediate elongated 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 elongated 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) comprises long-line bonding zones (40) spaced apart from each other, in particular extending in the warp or weft direction, in which yarns A (16) selected from the at least partially non-flammable yarns (16,17) of the first woven layer (15) are directly interwoven with yarns B (22) selected from the at least partially non-flammable yarns (21,22) of the second woven layer (20).

3. Protective article according to claim 1, characterized in that the multilayer fabric (60,100,210,310) comprises longitudinal bonding zones (85,160) spaced apart from each other, 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 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 the non-flammable 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. Article of protection according to claim 3, characterized in that the C yarns are warp yarns (225,325), and form strands (226,227,326,327,324,329,331,332,333) with the intermediate longitudinal 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 longitudinal 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 that the multilayer fabric (10,100,210,310) comprises at least one longitudinal housing (45,165,262,362) in particular extending in the weft direction, said at least one longitudinal housing (45,165,262,362) extending between two adjacent longitudinal 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 longitudinal element(s) of forage (32,130,256,356) selected from among the intermediate longitudinal elements (30,250,350).

6. Protective article according to claim 5, characterized in that the ratio of 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. Protective article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the 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 with optionally any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the first woven layer (65, 110, 220, 320) is the right side of the fabric multilayer (60,100,210,310), and in that at least 5% by number of the non-flammable warp yarns (225,325) at least in part of the first woven layer (65,110,220,320) each form at least one left (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 with optionally 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 the warp yarns (245,345) of the second woven layer (70,120,240,340) form at least one bridging (246,247,370,371,372,373,374,375,376,377) with an intermediate longitudinal bridging element (250,254,350,354).

10. Article of protection according to claim 3 with optionally any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that at least a part of the intermediate longitudinal 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, optionally with any one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in that an 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. A protective article according to claim 3, optionally 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 the first end surface, in that said multilayer fabric (60, 100, 210, 310) has an average thickness em measured between the first and second end surfaces, and in that the point thickness measured between said first and second end surfaces is greater than or equal to 0.50 em and less than or equal to 1.5 * em.

14. Protective article according to claim 5, optionally 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 Tl (tex), in that at least one intermediate longitudinal element of bridging (140,254,354) has a linear mass T2 (tex), and in that the ratio T2 : Tl is within the range from 0.5 to 4, in particular from 0.8 to 2, more particularly from 0.8 to 1.

5.

15. Protective article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least one of the yarns (16, 21, 225, 245, 325, 345; 17, 22, 228, 248, 324, 348), or at least one of the intermediate longitudinal elements (30, 32, 78, 80, 130, 140, 250, 254, 256, 350, 354, 356), selected from: the at least partially flame-resistant yarns (16, 225, 325; 17, 228, 324) of the first woven layer (15, 65, 110, 220, 320), the at least partially flame-resistant yarns (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 elongated element, has a reflectance less than or equal to 50% for a wavelength of 1000 nm.

16. Protective clothing article against heat and / or flame and / or electric arc, in particular work or intervention jacket, for example firefighter jacket, characterized in that said 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 opposite the outer end face of said clothing article and the second woven layer (20,70,120,240,340) being oriented opposite the inner end face of said clothing article.

17. A 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 that it 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) layers woven 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 that the intermediate elongated elements (30,32,78,80,130,140,250,254,256,350,354,356) comprise non-flammable fibers and / or non-flammable yarns at least in part, in particular said intermediate elongated 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.

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