Stenter frame - has spring held chairs to prevent the cloth being drawn out of shape during a heat process

摘要

Stenter frame accepts a continuous run of fabric and esp. for a process involving heat on paper maker cloths. The frame has chairs connected by studs to a chain drive at each edge of the fabric. By means of springs at the sides of the studs, and a control system to register and adjust the tension on the cloth, the speed of the chain can vary from that of the cloth in process, until modulated. The stud (2) is pref. held in the links of an endless chain, which runs at each side of the frame. The chairs are provided with rollers with vertical axis to follow the side rails for variation in width across the frame. Each carriage has pin plates which are fixed with the pins (3) facing upwards, and at an angle to hook the cloth at the sides. The carriage has longitudinal slots and bars (5) to hold spiral springs (4) which press against the stud (2), so that the pins travel at the same speed as the cloth, until a sensor of tension adjusts the drive for the chain to coordinate. The tension sensor is contained in the chain drive motor, to determine the load factor, which may then be regulated. The spiral springs (4) have different characteristics between back and front, and chosen to suit the fabric. Pref. the chains run at a constant speed, and the variation is taken up by the springs. ADVANTAGE - The cloth is held under tension without being drawn out of shape. The speed of the cloth through the rollers determines the speed of the side chains.