Method and device for splicing multifilament textile fibers

A method for splicing two bundles (1, 2) of multifilament textile fibers comprising the steps:

• inserting an end portion (3) of a first bundle (1) into a first end (11) of a heat-shrinkable sheath (10) and inserting an end portion (4) of a second bundle (2) into a second end (12) of the heat-shrinkable sheath, axially opposite the first end, until the ends of the end portions of the two bundles are facing each other;
• inserting a curable organic material inside the heat-shrinkable sheath (10) in a space (5) separating the end portions (3, 4) of the bundles (1, 2) so as to join the end portions together by means of a joining portion (9), the curable organic material being inserted into the space (5) existing between the ends of the end portions (3, 4) of the two bundles (1, 2) after the bundles have been placed inside the heat-shrinkable sheath (10);
• heating a portion of the heat-shrinkable sheath (10) surrounding the joining portion (9) to a predetermined temperature;
• curing the curable organic material;
• and
• removing the heat-shrinkable sheath (10).

A device (100) for splicing two bundles (1, 2) of multifilament textile fibers comprising:

• a table (103) for supporting means for guiding a first bundle (1) and means for guiding a second bundle (2), arranged so that end portions (3, 4) of the bundles can be moved relative to means for supporting a heat-shrinkable sheath (10) positioned between the means for guiding the first bundle and the means for guiding the second bundle, so that the end portions of the bundles can be inserted into the sheath when it is held by the supporting means;
• means allowing the insertion of a predetermined quantity of curable organic material inside the heat-shrinkable sheath;
• means for curing the curable organic material;
• and
• means for heating the heat-shrinkable sheath.