Buffer device for matching the output speed of a lap of a spreading-lapping machine to the input speed of a device for processing the lap downstream of the spreading-lapping machine.

Abstract

Crosslapper, in particular arranged at the outlet from a carding device producing a web of fibers, in particular nonwoven fibers, comprising a front belt carrying the web of fibers in the crosslapper to an infeed or accumulator carriage, a rear belt carrying the accumulated web to a layering carriage and an apron on an upper strand (2′; 2″; 2′″) of which the layering carriage deposits the web accumulated by the accumulator carriage alternately on the bias in one direction and in the other direction to form a lap (N) moving at a speed V1(t) that varies as a function of time, in particular in a periodic manner, the crosslapper also comprising an output belt strand (20′; 20″; 20″′) on which the lap (N) leaves the crosslapper at a speed V2(t) that is different from the speed V1(t), in particular at a constant speed, the lap (N) undergoing at least one turn between the upper strand (2′; 2″; 2′″) and the output belt strand (20′; 20″; 20′″), in particular through 180°, around a roller (3.2′; 4.1″; 3.7′″) mounted such that it can move in translation along the output belt strand (20′; 20″; 20′″), the lap (N) being sandwiched between another strand, turned in the opposite direction to the upper strand (2′), of the apron and the output belt strand (20′) and/or between another strand, turned in the opposite direction to the upper strand (2″; 2′″), of the apron and an upper strand of an intermediate apron (30″; 30′″) and/or between a lower strand of an intermediate apron (30″; 30′″) and the output belt strand (20″; 20′″).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.