Feed Device for Fibers or Fiber Flocks

Abstract

The feed device for scattering individualized fibers or fiber flocks comprises a scattering section, in which a driven feed roller and a driven opening roller cooperating with the feed roller are arranged. A dispensing device for storing and dispensing a fiber sliver is assigned to the feed roller in such a way that the feed roller pulls in the fiber sliver provided by the dispensing device, as a result of which the feed roller is fed with the fiber sliver or the fiber fleece strip. The opening roller is arranged adjacent to the feed roller in such a way that it opens up the fiber sliver pulled in by the feed roller to form individual fibers or fiber flocks and scatters them.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority based on European patent applications EP 12 179 382.2, filed Aug. 6, 2012, EP 12 199 616.9, filed Dec. 28, 2012, EP 12 199 625.0, filed Dec. 28, 2013, EP 12 199 629.2, filed Dec. 28, 2012 and EP 13 170 105.4, filed May 31, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a feed device for fibers or fiber flocks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A preferred area of application for these types of feed devices is in the production of three-dimensionally molded parts of fiber material. Three-dimensionally molded parts of fiber material are used, for example, in the automobile industry, where they serve to damp sound. They are used, for example, as door linings, rear shelves, and roof linings. The floor and the connecting walls extending from the passenger compartment to the trunk and also from the passenger compartment to the engine compartment are also lined with molded sound-damping parts. The goal is to use one-piece parts with the largest possible area. The sheet metal parts of the car body have a highly sculpted, irregular shape to ensure stiffness and to save material. They comprise seatings for additional components of the vehicle and pass-through openings for cable channels and the steering column, for example. The molded parts used for sound damping must conform to the highly 3-dimensional sculpted shape of these body parts.

3-dimensionally shaped molded parts for sound damping, so-called “acoustic” parts, with uneven thickness can be fabricated today of polyurethane foam. This is relatively expensive, however, because production is based on petroleum. In addition, polyurethane foam is difficult to recycle, and in a fire it emits toxic fumes. Molded parts made from conventional fiber mats produced by the rolling of fiber materials are suitable for only a very limited range of uses. This is because fiber mats can be used only for parts which are not highly sculpted. If the irregularity of the shape is too high, the mats tear. Furthermore, due to the use of the rolling process, the mats do not have a uniform density distribution. As a result, they frequently do not meet the geometric and acoustic requirements imposed on such specialized molded parts.

3-dimensionally shaped nonwoven parts which consist of a fiber blend or of fibers and an added binder are known from the prior art. These nonwoven parts are produced by the hot molding process. A fiber blend drops down from above into a lower mold so that the fibers accumulate in the lower mold. Once the lower mold is full, an upper mold is set down onto the lower mold, so that the loosely piled fibers are compressed. Then the mold, consisting of the lower mold and the upper mold, is subjected to a stream of hot air, so that the fibers fuse together and a molded part is obtained. The inside surface of the lower mold determines the contour of the bottom of the molded part, and the inside surface of the upper mold determines the contour of the top of the molded part.

3-dimensionally shaped molded parts can also be structural parts, which can transmit force and can have a load-bearing function.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,791,783 A discloses a device for the production of molded parts made of fibers. Chopped fibers are applied to the inside surface of a horizontally rotating, screen-like mold. The feed is accomplished through a pipe, which can be moved horizontally. The fibers deposited in the mold are pressed against the mold by an external vacuum, which surrounds the outside surface of the mold. Then the fibers are coated with a spray consisting of a synthetic resin binder, which cures when heated. The fiber-filled mold can then be subjected to a stream of hot air to cure the molded part.

U.S. 5,942,175 A discloses a method and a device for the press-molding of loose clusters of fibers. To fill the mold, loose fiber clusters are distributed in the mold from above by means of a tube in such a way that areas of different density can also be created if desired. In an alternative embodiment, the fibers are blown into a closed mold by a stream of air, wherein different filling densities within the mold can be realized by setting the flow velocities of the individual air inlets to different values. After the fiber clusters have been added to the mold, a press is lowered, so that the fiber agglomerates are compressed inside the mold. Hot air is then supplied to bond the fiber clusters together, so that a molded body is obtained.

Feed devices for fibers or fiber flocks are also used in other areas of application for the production of fiber materials, such as in the production of fiber flock mats or fiber fleeces. As a rule, the attempt is made here to make the fiber flock mat or the fiber fleece as uniform as possible across its entire width. Here, too, however, it may also be desired to give the fiber flock mat or the fiber fleece a 3-dimensional profile.

An example of this type of feed device for fibers is known from DE 195 41 818 A1. Here the fibers are carried by a bottom belt to a scattering section, which scatters the fibers onto a conveyor belt. By way of an automatic control circuit, a height measurement of the fleece is produced and influences the speed of the bottom belt and thus the quantity of scattered fibers. Nevertheless, the scattering section also serves to scatter fibers simultaneously across the entire width of the fleece to be produced, which means that it is not possible to produce a fleece witch is locally defined, and has more precise uniformity in the width direction of the fleece.

The disadvantage of all these devices and methods cited above is that it is impossible to achieve precise partial coverage with fibers; that is, it is impossible to scatter the fiber material precisely onto locally defined areas. The area density of the end product thus obtained cannot be locally increased, locally decreased, or made uniform to a satisfactory degree.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a feed device for fibers or fiber flocks by means of which, in a simple and efficient manner, it is possible to produce 3-dimensionally configured products of fiber material with an area density profile which can be adjusted precisely and reproducibly.

According to an aspect of the invention, the feed device for scattering individualized fibers or fiber flocks comprises a scattering section, in which a driven feed roller and a driven opening roller cooperating with the feed roller are arranged, wherein a dispensing device for storing and dispensing a fiber sliver or fiber fleece strip is assigned to the feed roller in such a way that the feed roller pulls in the fiber sliver or fiber fleece strip provided by the dispensing device, as a result of which the feed roller is fed with the fiber sliver or fiber fleece strip. The opening roller is arranged adjacent to the feed roller in such a way that it opens up the fiber sliver or fiber fleece strip pulled in by the feed roller to form individual fibers or flocks and scatters them.

With this feed device, it is possible to scatter fibers or fiber flocks in a finely adjusted, highly precise manner, and thus a fiber product can be obtained which has a precise profile or a high degree of uniformity.

The scattering section is preferably arranged at one end of a feed arm. If the feed arm is movable in one, two, or three dimensions, the areas of application and the flexibility of the feed device can be increased even more. With a design which allows two-dimensional movement, for example, any desired fiber profile can be effectively scattered onto a mold without the need for the mold itself to move.

In a preferred embodiment, the feed arm is a pivoting arm with two legs, which are jointed to each other at a first pivot axis, wherein the scattering section is arranged at the end of the second leg. Thus, in a simple manner, the feed device is given mobility in one dimension.

At the end not connected to the second leg, the first leg is preferably supported with freedom to pivot around a second pivot axis, as a result of which the feed device is given mobility in a second dimension.

The fiber sliver or fiber fleece strip can be supplied especially effectively to the scattering section if the feed arm comprises a deflecting pulley in the area of its first pivot axis to guide the fiber sliver or the fiber fleece strip as the fiber sliver or the fiber fleece strip travels between the dispensing device and the feed roller.

In a first embodiment, the feed roller can comprise a set of surface fittings with teeth projecting backward with respect to the rotational direction of the feed roller, wherein the opening roller is driven in the same rotational direction as the feed roller and comprises a set of surface fittings with teeth projecting forward with respect to this rotational direction.

Alternatively, the feed roller can comprise a set of surface fittings with teeth projecting backward with respect to the rotational direction of the feed roller, wherein the opening roller is driven in a second rotational direction, which is opposite the rotational direction of the feed roller, and comprises a set of surface fittings with teeth projecting forward with respect to the second rotational direction.

The feed roller usually has a width in the range of 5-50 mm, preferably of 15-30 mm, and even more preferably of 20-25 mm.

A blower can be arranged in the area of the scattering section to generate a stream of air, which blows the fibers opened by the opening roller toward the mold. This can be supported by suction acting from underneath the mold.

In addition, the feed device can comprise a heating coil or a gas burner in the area of the scattering section, so that the air stream is also heated at the same time. This can be advantageous in certain applications in which the intermediate fiber product is subjected to a heat treatment. An example is the treatment of a mixture of fibers and hot-melt adhesive, wherein the latter is melted by the stream of hot air.

The feed device also preferably comprises an automatic control unit to change the speed of the feed roller as a function of the scattering position of the scattering section. Programming the automatic control unit in advance precisely defines the scattering speeds and thus the quantities which are scattered as well as the associated pattern of movement of the scattering section. The feed roller is preferably driven by a servomotor, which makes it possible to dose the fibers scattered by the feed device with precision.

In an effective embodiment, the feed device comprises two individually actuatable feed rollers, which are arranged next to and parallel to each other.

A fleece-forming system comprises a feed device as described above and also a two-dimensional deposition surface or a 3-dimensional mold to receive the fibers or fiber flocks scattered by the feed device.

The two-dimensional deposition surface or the 3-dimensional mold is preferably air-permeable, and a suction device is provided to exert suction from underneath the deposition surface or mold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the present invention can be derived from the following description, which refers to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of the feed device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the feed device according to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the feed device according to the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the feed device according to the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the feed device according to the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the feed device according to the invention; and

FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the feed device according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the feed device according to the invention. In this example, the feed device 2 comprises a feed arm 4. Other designs of feed device 2, however, are also conceivable.

In the example according to FIG. 1, feed arm 4 is arranged above a two-dimensional deposition surface 6, here the upper strand of an endless conveyor belt. Feed arm 4 in this case is a pivoting arm with two legs 8, 10, which are connected to each other to form an inverted V at a first, preferably horizontal, pivot axis 12 in the area where legs 8, 10 intersect. Thus the second leg 10 is connected pivotably to first leg 8 via first pivot axis 12 in such a way that the angle between two legs 8, 10, i.e., the angle of the inverted V, can be made larger or smaller by the pivoting of second leg 10.

The end of first leg 8 not connected to second leg 10 is supported so that it can rotate around a second, preferably vertical, pivot axis 14, preferably on a pedestal or in a machine stand. As a result of the rotation of the pivot arm around second pivot axis 14, the feed arm can be moved in a second dimension. First pivot axis 12 and second pivot axis 14 extend in directions which are perpendicular to each other.

Fibers or fiber flocks are scattered in a locally targeted manner onto the two-dimensional deposition surface 6 by feed device 2. Feed device 2 comprises a preferably stationary dispensing device 16 to store and dispense a fiber sliver or a fiber fleece strip. In the present example, dispensing device 16 is able to pivot along second pivot axis 14 with feed arm 4 and is mounted detachably on first leg 8 of feed arm 4 in the area of the bottom end. For this purpose, in the embodiment shown, a support surface for dispensing device 16 is provided at the bottom end of first leg 8 of feed arm 4. In the examples shown here, dispensing device 16 is designed as a sliver can, but many other types of dispensing devices are also possible including, but not limited to, spools and the like. In addition, dispensing device 16 can be supported in some other way than that shown in the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein.

At the front end of second leg 10, feed device 2 comprises a scattering section 20, which can be connected to the remainder of second leg 10 by way of another horizontal pivot axis 21. A driven feed roller 22 and a driven opening roller 24 cooperating with feed roller 22 are arranged in scattering section 20. Feed roller 22 pulls in fiber sliver 18 or fiber fleece strip provided by dispensing device 16. In other words, feed roller 22 is fed with fiber sliver 18 or the fiber fleece strip. Fiber sliver 18 or fiber fleece strip is preferably fed in by feed roller 22 by way of a trough 26. Fiber sliver 18 or fiber fleece strip preferably travels along legs 8, 10 of feed arm 4, wherein, in the area of first pivot axis 12, a deflecting pulley 28 guides fiber sliver 18 or fiber fleece strip as it travels between dispensing device 16 and feed roller 22. Deflecting pulley 28 can be rigid, or it can also be supported with the freedom to rotate.

Opening roller 24 is arranged with respect to feed roller 22 so that it can open up fiber sliver 18 or fiber fleece strip pulled in by feed roller 22 and thus form individual fiber flocks or fibers and then scatter them. The two rotational axes, i.e., that of feed roller 22 and that of opening roller 24, are preferably substantially horizontal and parallel to each other. The diameter of opening roller 24 is usually somewhat larger than that of feed roller 22. In the example of FIG. 1, feed roller 22 includes a set of surface fittings (not shown) with teeth projecting backward with respect to the rotational direction of the feed roller, whereas opening roller 24 is driven in the same rotational direction as feed roller 22 and comprises a set of surface fittings with teeth projecting forward with respect to the rotational direction. In this way, the teeth on the surface of opening roller 24 strip fibers or fiber flocks out of fiber sliver 18 or fiber fleece strip carried to it by feed roller 22. Such construction allows fibers or fiber flocks to drop down by the force of gravity onto deposition surface 6 in the area between feed roller 22 and opening roller 24. Whereas opening roller 24 can be driven continuously, it is advantageous for feed roller 22 to be driven by a servomotor 23. In this way, the quantity of scattered fibers can be dosed with precision. The width of feed roller 22 is preferably approximately the same width as incoming fiber sliver 18 or fiber fleece strip, but it can also be somewhat wider.

Substantially the same is true for the width of opening roller 24. Thus, feed roller 22 preferably has a width in the range of 5-50 mm, more preferably of 15-30, and even more preferably of 20-25 mm.

The embodiment of feed device 2 shown in FIG. 1 can work together with deposition surface 6, here the endless conveyor belt, as a fleece-forming system. It is also possible for feed device 2 to be used to make uniform only certain parts of a previously formed fleece or fiber flock mat. Feed device 2 can also be used to form a desired transverse profile and/or longitudinal profile by the scattering of additional fibers onto a previously formed fleece or fiber flock mat. In the latter two applications, appropriate weight sensors (not shown) can be installed upstream of feed device 2 to measure the mass per unit area of the previously produced fiber flock mat or fleece, so that feed device 2 can be controlled on the basis of the measurement results thus provided.

In FIG. 2, the fibers are scattered not on a flat deposition surface but rather on a 3-dimensional mold 30. Feed device 2 and the mold 30 form together a fleece-forming system. The mold 30 can have any 3-dimensional shape. In addition, mold 30 can be subjected to suction from underneath, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 2 by the through-holes 32.

FIG. 2 also shows a different embodiment of scattering section 20. As also in the embodiment according to FIG. 1, fiber sliver 18 or fiber fleece strip is pulled in by feed roller 22, wherein fiber sliver 18 is drawn into the lower area of feed roller 22 and guided there along trough 26 . The rotational direction and orientation of the teeth of feed roller 22 are identical to those of the preceding example. Opening roller 24, however, is now driven in a second rotational direction opposite that of feed roller 22 and comprises a set of surface fittings with teeth projecting forward with respect to this second rotational direction. In the embodiment shown, this means that the fibers or fiber flocks torn away by opening roller 24 are conveyed upward toward another trough 34 and finally along this trough (counterclockwise in the drawing), into a dispensing shaft 36.

In this dispensing shaft 36, the individualized fibers would normally be conveyed downward again by the force of gravity and the rotational speed of opening roller 24 and thus scattered onto mold 30. As shown in FIG. 2, however, a blower 38 can also be installed in the area of scattering section 20. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2, blower 38 is installed in the area of dispensing shaft 36. The air stream produced by blower 38 blows the individualized fibers downward toward mold 30. This can be additionally supported by suction exerted from underneath mold 30.

The fleece-forming system shown in FIG. 2, consisting of feed device 2 and mold 30, is used primarily in the production of 3-dimensional molded parts as described above. After the fibers have been scattered onto mold 30, the fiber material in mold 30 can be subjected to any desired further processing steps known from the prior art, including pressing with an upper mold, heating, and the like.

The feed device will as a rule comprise an automatic control unit (not shown) in most embodiments to change the speed of feed roller 22 as a function of the scattering position of scattering section 20. A previously established program can be run, or the automatic control unit can also react variably to the measurement results provided by sensors, as mentioned above with reference to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

In the embodiment of feed device 2 shown in FIG. 3, second leg 10 of feed arm 4 comprises an additional rotary joint 40, so that the forward section of second leg 10 can be pivoted around an axis extending perpendicularly to the direction in which second leg 10 extends. Otherwise, the embodiment of the feed device shown in FIG. 3 is substantially similar that of the feed device illustrated in FIG. 2.

In the embodiment of feed device 2 shown in FIG. 4, two feed lines are arranged parallel to each other, one on each side of feed arm 4. Each feed line corresponds substantially to the embodiment of FIG. 2. In other words, two dispensing devices 16 and two feed rollers 22 are provided. Each feed roller 22 is actuated by its own servomotor 23. In the example shown, only one opening roller 24, which extends over the entire width of scattering section 20, is provided and thus serves to individualize the fibers from fiber slivers 18 pulled in by both feed rollers 22. This arrangement increases the effectiveness of feed device 2 even more.

It is also conceivable that only the first strand of fiber sliver 18 is formed out of the base fiber material, whereas the second strand of fiber sliver 18 is a strand of hot-melt adhesive fibers. It is also possible to feed both fiber slivers 18 to the same feed roller 22.

Finally, it is also possible in all of the embodiments shown herein to design fiber sliver 18 as a blend of various fibers such as a base fiber material together with hot-melt adhesive fibers.

The embodiment of the feed device shown in FIG. 5 is substantially similar to the embodiment in FIG. 3, wherein, in addition to the elements shown there, a heating coil 42 is arranged in the area of dispensing shaft 36. In place of heating coil 42, it would be possible to provide a gas burner. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, a supply container 44 for feed materials can also be provided in the area of scattering section 20. In supply container 44, a hot-melt adhesive, for example, can be stored in granular form, which is then added to the individualized fibers to form a mixture. The heating of the hot-melt adhesive can then be accomplished by the stream of hot air in feed device 2. It is also conceivable that, although the hot-melt adhesive would be supplied to this area of feed device 2, the mixture of fibers and hot-melt adhesive would not be heated until later in, for example, an oven. The infeed of other materials is also conceivable. Device 46 for applying suction underneath mold 30 is also shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a fleece-forming system, in which feed arm 4 is movable in only one dimension. First leg 8 of feed arm 4 is attached rigidly and substantially horizontally to a machine stand, whereas the other elements remain unchanged. In this case, it necessary for deposition surface 6 to be movable in at least one direction so that the fibers can be scattered in two dimensions. In the example shown, deposition surface 6 is supported in such a way that it can in fact be shifted in two dimensions.

It can also be helpful for deposition surface 6 or mold 30 to be movable in the other embodiments of feed device 2. Conceivable, for example, are rotating movements around a vertical axis or translational movements in the horizontal plane. The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to the embodiment of FIG. 2 but comprises an additional rotational axis 48 parallel to the direction in which second leg 10 extends. This provides the head of scattering section 20 with an additional degree of freedom, namely, of torsional freedom. Accordingly, the head of second leg 10 can be rotated completely around rotational axis 48.

All of the details and alternatives described in connection with FIGS. 1-7 can be combined with any of the features of the other embodiments. This applies, for example, to the design of scattering section 20 as well as to the structure which allows the feed arm 4 to move.

In particular, the number and arrangement of the pivot axes in the area of feed arm 4 can be modified in any way desired. It would also be conceivable that an additional horizontal pivot axis could be provided in the area of the bottom end of first leg 8, so that, when the second leg 10 pivots relative to first leg 8, first leg 8 can also be pivoted, as a result of which the height of scattering section 20 above mold 30 or deposition surface 6 can be kept constant. It is also conceivable that entire feed arm 4 could execute a linear movement.

Overall, feed device 2 is capable of moving in one, two, or three dimensions. It is also possible, however, that feed device 2 could be stationary, as long as it is ensured that deposition surface 6 or mold 30 can execute the appropriate movements. As previously mentioned, a combination of a moving feed device 2 and a moving deposition surface 6 or mold 30 is also conceivable.

Feed device 2 can be used for the independent formation of molded parts of fibers, as well as for the formation of fiber mats or fleeces. It can also be used to make previously produced fiber mats or fleeces uniform or to given them a predetermined profile.

Reference throughout this specification to “the embodiment,” “this embodiment,” “the previous embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “a preferred embodiment” “another preferred embodiment” “the example,” “this example,” “the previous example,” “one example,” “an example,” “a preferred example” “another preferred example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in the embodiment,” “in this embodiment,” “in the previous embodiment,” “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “in a preferred embodiment,” “in another preferred embodiment,” “in the example,” “in this example,” “in the previous example,” “in one example,” “in an example,” “in a preferred example,” “in another preferred example”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment or example. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments or examples that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

While the present invention has been described in connection with certain exemplary or specific embodiments or examples, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or examples, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications, alternatives, modifications and equivalent arrangements as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Any such changes, modifications, alternatives, modifications, equivalents and the like may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A feed device for scattering individualized fibers or fiber flocks, comprising: wherein the opening roller is arranged to open up the fiber sliver or fiber fleece strip pulled in by the feed roller to form individual fibers or fiber flocks and to scatter the individual fibers or fiber flocks.

a scattering section, in which a driven feed roller and a driven opening roller are arranged, the driven opening roller arranged adjacent to and cooperating with the feed roller;

a dispensing device for storing and dispensing a fiber sliver or a fiber fleece strip assigned to the feed roller in such a way that the feed roller pulls in the fiber sliver or the fiber fleece strip provided by the dispensing device, as a result of which the feed roller is fed with the fiber sliver or the fiber fleece strip;

2. The feed device of claim 1 further comprising a feed arm, and wherein the scattering section is arranged at one end of the feed arm.

3. The feed device of claim 2 wherein the feed arm is movable in one, two, or three dimensions.

4. The feed device of claim 3 wherein the feed arm is a pivoting arm with first and second legs, which are jointed to each other at a first pivot axis, wherein the scattering section is arranged at a front end of the second leg.

5. The feed device of claim 4 wherein the first leg is rotatably supported around a second pivot axis at a bottom end not connected to the second leg.

6. The feed device of claim 4 wherein the feed arm comprises, in an area of the first pivot axis, a deflecting pulley to guide the fiber sliver or the fiber fleece strip as the fiber sliver or the fiber fleece strip travels between the dispensing device and the feed roller.

7. The feed device of claim 1 wherein the feed roller comprises a set of surface fittings with teeth projecting backward with respect to a rotational direction of the feed roller, wherein the opening roller is driven in the same rotational direction as the feed roller and comprises a set of surface fittings with teeth projecting forward with respect to the rotational direction.

8. The feed device of claim 1 wherein the feed roller comprises a set of surface fittings with teeth projecting backward with respect to the rotational direction of the feed roller, wherein the opening roller is driven in a second rotational direction which is opposite the rotational direction of the feed roller and comprises a set of surface fittings with teeth projecting forward with respect to the second rotational direction.

9. The feed device of claim 1 wherein the feed roller has a width in a range of 5-50 mm.

10. The feed device of claim 1 wherein the feed roller has a width in a range of 15-30 mm.

11. The feed device of claim 1 wherein the feed roller has a width in a range of 20-25 mm.

12. The feed device of claim 1, further comprising a blower in an area of the scattering section.

13. The feed device of claim 12, further comprising a heating coil or a gas burner in the area of the scattering section.

14. The feed device of claim 1, further comprising an automatic control unit to change a speed of the feed roller as a function of a scattering position of the scattering section.

15. The feed device of claim 1, wherein the driven feed roller further comprises two individually actuatable feed rollers, which are arranged next to and parallel to each other.

16. A fleece-forming system comprising:

a feed device comprising:

a scattering section, in which a driven feed roller and a driven opening roller are arranged, the driven opening roller arranged adjacent to and cooperating with the feed roller;

a dispensing device for storing and dispensing a fiber sliver or a fiber fleece strip assigned to the feed roller in such a way that the feed roller pulls in the fiber sliver or the fiber fleece strip provided by the dispensing device, as a result of which the feed roller is fed with the fiber sliver or the fiber fleece strip;

wherein the opening roller is arranged to open up the fiber sliver or fiber fleece strip pulled in by the feed roller to form individual fibers or fiber flocks and to scatter the individual fibers or fiber flocks; and

a two-dimensional deposition surface or a 3-dimensional mold for receiving the fibers or fiber flocks scattered by the feed device.

17. The fleece-forming system of claim 16 wherein the two-dimensional deposition surface or the 3-dimensional mold is air-permeable and a suction device for creating suction is provided underneath the deposition surface or the mold.