Formation of a fabric seam by ultrasonic gap welding of a flat woven fabric

摘要

The invention relates to ultrasonic gap welding of flat woven fabrics. Specifically, the invention relates to a method of ultrasonic welding the seam termination yarn ends of a fabric using a controlled gap. A mechanical stop may be employed to control the distance or gap between the horn and anvil to a predetermined level based on the depth of welding and amount of weld energy. By adding another degree of control, the ultrasonic gap welding technique of the present invention is able to achieve fabric seams that are stronger than conventional seams, and even those enhanced with gluing, and is conducive to formation of fabric seams by spot welding or along the termination yarn ends of the fabric.

主权项

1. A seam in an industrial fabric formed according to a method comprising the steps of:
(a) seaming the industrial fabric into an endless form by weaving terminal yarn ends of one or more warp yarns and/or weft yarns into the industrial fabric to form a seam area; (b) placing the seam area of step (a) between a horn and an anvil; (e) adjusting the horn and/or the anvil to create a predetermined gap between the horn and the anvil; and (d) welding the terminal yarn ends of step (a) to an adjacent yarn and/or to a yarn that the terminal yarn ends cross over, by applying energy for a predetermined length of time or until a predetermined amount of energy is absorbed by the terminal yarn ends, wherein a depth of weld is determined by the predetermined gap between the horn and the anvil.