A modular braiding device with a braiding track system

Abstract

The application provides a weaving track system of a modular weaving device, and relates to the technical field of composite material preform weaving forming. The system comprises a ring-shaped weaving base, an array of corner wheels arranged on the inner side of the ring-shaped weaving base, and a yarn carrier running in the array of corner wheels. A closed track is arranged on the ring-shaped weaving base along the outer periphery of each corner wheel. Adjacent closed tracks are provided with intersection block mounting grooves. The intersection block mounting grooves are provided with interlinked track intersection blocks or closed track intersection blocks, so as to interlink or isolate adjacent closed tracks. The weaving mode can be switched by changing the arrangement mode of different track intersection blocks. By alternately mounting interlinked track intersection blocks and closed track intersection blocks in the intersection block mounting grooves between two adjacent layers of corner wheels, the tracks are divided into internal tracks linked between two adjacent layers and surface layer tracks distributed in single layers on both sides. The yarn distribution state can be improved, the stable operation of the modular weaving device can be realized, and a three-dimensional woven preform with more uniform forming quality can be obtained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of composite material preform weaving technology, and more specifically to a weaving track system for a modular weaving device. Background Technology

[0002] 3D weaving is a technique that introduces yarns in the thickness direction to achieve the integral forming of multi-layered structures, and it is widely used in the preparation of composite material preforms. With increasing demands for structural load-bearing capacity and forming stability in engineering applications, 3D weaving structures with six or more layers are gradually gaining attention. In existing 3D weaving systems, the yarn carrier moves along the track of the weaving chassis, and its path organization directly affects the yarn distribution and the forming quality of the preform.

[0003] Existing multi-layer three-dimensional weaving tracks mostly adopt a path structure with large-scale layer connection or full-layer penetration. The yarn carrier needs to frequently cross layers between multiple layers, resulting in a large number of track intersections, high spatial coupling, and problems such as motion interference and complex control. At the same time, uneven arrangement of tracks and yarn carriers may also cause uneven yarn distribution, affecting the consistency of prefabricated body thickness. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Purpose of the invention: The purpose of this invention is to provide a modular weaving device for weaving track systems that allows for multi-layer interconnection while reducing track crossing complexity.

[0005] Technical Solution: A modular knitting device knitting track system includes a ring-shaped knitting base, an array of corner wheels disposed inside the ring-shaped knitting base, and a yarn carrier running in the array of corner wheels. The array of corner wheels consists of multiple corner wheels, which are uniformly arranged in multiple layers along the axial direction of the ring-shaped knitting base. The corner wheels in each layer are uniformly arranged circumferentially along the ring-shaped knitting base. A closed track is formed on the outer periphery of each corner wheel on the ring-shaped knitting base. A cross block mounting slot is provided between adjacent closed tracks. The cross block mounting slot cooperates with the connecting track cross block to connect adjacent closed tracks. The cross block mounting slot cooperates with the closed track cross block to isolate adjacent closed tracks. A connecting track cross block is installed in the cross block mounting slot corresponding to the corner wheels in the same layer. A connecting track cross block or a closed track cross block is installed in the cross block mounting slot between two adjacent layers of corner wheels. All corner wheels are driven by a motor and rotate at the same angular velocity. Any corner wheel rotates in the opposite direction to its adjacent corner wheel. The corner wheels drive the yarn carrier to run along the closed track and transfer the yarn carrier to the adjacent corner wheel at the connecting track cross block.

[0006] Specifically, four yarn carrier slots are evenly arranged on the outer edge of the corner wheel. The yarn carriers cooperate with the yarn carrier slots. When the corner wheel rotates, it synchronously drives the yarn carriers to run along the closed track. When the yarn carriers run to the intersection block of the connecting track, the yarn carrier slots of the adjacent corner wheels face each other, and the yarn carriers are transferred from the yarn carrier slots of the corner wheel to the yarn carrier slots of the adjacent corner wheel.

[0007] Specifically, the number of yarn carriers is equal to the number of corner wheels.

[0008] Preferably, connecting track cross blocks and closed track cross blocks are alternately installed in the cross block mounting slots between adjacent layers of corner wheels. Under this condition, the closed tracks corresponding to the two adjacent layers of corner wheels form two internal tracks through the connecting track cross blocks between them. The yarn carriers on the internal tracks reciprocate between the adjacent layers of corner wheels along the circumference of the annular weaving chassis. The closed tracks corresponding to the two outermost layers of corner wheels are evenly divided into a first arc segment on the outer side and a second arc segment on the inner side along the circumference of the annular weaving chassis. The second arc segment connected to the closed track cross block and the adjacent first arc segment form the surface track. The yarn carriers on the surface track reciprocate between the same layer of corner wheels along the circumference of the annular weaving chassis.

[0009] Preferably, a connecting track cross block is installed in the cross block mounting slot between two adjacent layers of corner wheels. Under this condition, the closed track forms a fully penetrating track with a number of connecting track cross blocks that is twice the number of corner wheel layers. The yarn carrier on the fully penetrating track moves reciprocally along the circumference of the annular knitting base between the two outermost layers of corner wheels and through each of the middle layers of corner wheels.

[0010] Preferably, connecting track cross blocks and closed track cross blocks are alternately installed in the cross block mounting slots between the outermost two layers of corner wheels and their adjacent layers of corner wheels in the corner wheel array. Connecting track cross blocks are installed in the cross block mounting slots between the remaining adjacent layers of corner wheels. Under this condition, the closed track forms several internal tracks through the connecting track cross blocks. The yarn carrier on the internal track reciprocates between each layer of corner wheels along the circumference of the annular weaving chassis. The closed track corresponding to the outermost two layers of corner wheels is evenly divided into a first arc segment on the outer side and a second arc segment on the inner side along the circumference of the annular weaving chassis. The second arc segment connected to the closed track cross block and the adjacent first arc segment form the surface track. The yarn carrier on the surface track reciprocates between the same layer of corner wheels along the circumference of the annular weaving chassis.

[0011] Preferably, the annular woven chassis is composed of multiple track plates spliced ​​together, with adjacent track plates connected by tenon joints.

[0012] Beneficial Effects: Compared with the prior art, the significant effects of this invention are as follows: This invention achieves layered control of the yarn carrier's movement path by setting two types of track intersection blocks—connected and non-connected—between the closed tracks of the annular weaving chassis, while maintaining necessary interlayer connectivity. Switching between various weaving modes can be achieved simply by setting the arrangement of the track intersection blocks. Furthermore, this invention proposes a "2+1" layered path structure that significantly reduces the complexity of track intersections. This involves dividing the weaving track into internal tracks that are linked between adjacent layers and surface tracks distributed in single layers on both sides. By grouping and layering the track intersection points, key changes at the intersection points reduce the risk of interference during yarn carrier operation, improving system stability. Simultaneously, combined with a uniform yarn carrier arrangement and the synergistic effect of the drive and control systems, the uniform arrangement helps improve the yarn distribution, enabling stable operation of the multi-layer modular weaving device and obtaining a more uniformly formed three-dimensional woven preform. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the weaving track system of the modular weaving device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall track structure with a fully penetrating path in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall track structure of the 5+1 layer connection path in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal and surface track structures in the 2+1 layered path of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall track structure of the 2+1 layer connection path in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the movement position of the yarn carrier in a single cycle of the 2+1 layer connection path in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the prefabricated body model structure obtained by the 5+1 layer connection path in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the prefabricated body model structure obtained by the 2+1 layer connection path in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Example 1 This embodiment provides a weaving track system for a modular weaving device. For ease of explanation, this embodiment uses... Figure 1 Taking the modular knitting device with six layers of corner wheels as an example, the knitting track system includes: a ring-shaped knitting base 1, a corner wheel array disposed inside the ring-shaped knitting base 1, and a yarn carrier 3 running in the corner wheel array. The corner wheel array consists of multiple corner wheels 2, which are evenly arranged in six layers along the axial direction of the ring-shaped knitting base 1. The corner wheels 2 in each layer are evenly arranged circumferentially along the ring-shaped knitting base 1. A closed track 4 is provided on the outer periphery of each corner wheel 2 on the ring-shaped knitting base 1. A cross block mounting slot is provided between any two adjacent closed tracks 4. The cross block mounting slot cooperates with the connecting track cross block 5 to connect adjacent closed tracks 4. The cross block mounting slot cooperates with the closed track cross block 6 to isolate adjacent closed tracks 4. The cross blocks corresponding to the corner wheels 2 in the same layer... Interconnecting track cross blocks 5 are installed in the fork block mounting slots to ensure that the closed tracks within the layers are interconnected. Interconnecting track cross blocks 5 or closed track cross blocks 6 are installed in the cross block mounting slots between two adjacent corner wheels 2 according to the actual manufacturing requirements. All corner wheels 2 are driven independently by stepper motors or servo motors. A typical driving method is as follows: a transmission gear is fixed coaxially on the rotation shaft of the corner wheel 2. This transmission gear meshes with the drive gear fixed on the output shaft of the motor. After the motor starts, the corner wheel 2 is driven to rotate through gear transmission and rotates at the same angular velocity. Any corner wheel 2 rotates in the opposite direction to its adjacent corner wheel 2. The corner wheel 2 drives the yarn carrier 3 to run along the closed track 4 and transmits the yarn carrier 3 to the adjacent corner wheel 2 at the connecting track cross block 5. As a typical configuration, in this embodiment, four yarn carrier slots 21 are evenly arranged on the outer edge of the corner wheel 2. The corner wheel 2 rotates 90° each time. After each rotation, the yarn carrier slots 21 of adjacent corner wheels 2 always maintain a corresponding position. The yarn carrier 3 cooperates with the yarn carrier slots 21. When the corner wheel 2 rotates, it synchronously drives the yarn carrier 3 to run along the closed track 4. When the yarn carrier 3 runs to the connecting track intersection block 5, the yarn carrier slots 21 of adjacent corner wheels 2 are opposite each other. After the corner wheel 2 continues to rotate, the yarn carrier 3 is transferred from the initial yarn carrier slot 21 of the corner wheel 2 to the yarn carrier slot 21 of the adjacent corner wheel 2, realizing the transfer of the yarn carrier 3 between the corner wheels. A typical yarn carrier transfer scheme is: a reversing wheel is set in the yarn carrier slot 21, and the bottom of the yarn carrier 3 is fixed on the reversing wheel. The transfer of the yarn carrier 3 is realized through the transfer of the reversing wheel between the yarn carrier slots 21 on the adjacent corner wheels 2. In this embodiment, the annular woven chassis 1 is composed of multiple slightly curved track plates 11 spliced ​​together, which facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the whole. Adjacent track plates 11 are stably connected by dovetail grooves and dovetail tenons 12 formed on the track plates 11. The following describes three typical schemes for achieving different layered paths through different track intersection block settings.

[0023] Please refer to Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 The image shows a fully continuous path scheme achieved by installing all connecting track crossbars in the crossbar mounting slots between adjacent layers of corner wheels. Under this condition, the closed tracks corresponding to the 6 layers of corner wheels form 12 fully continuous tracks through the connecting track crossbars. Figure 2 The entire track is marked with 12 different colored curves, and the arrows in the middle of the corner wheels indicate different rotation directions. The yarn carrier on the entire track moves back and forth along the circumference of the circular knitting base, passing between the two outermost corner wheels and each of the middle corner wheels.

[0024] While the full-through path scheme can meet basic three-dimensional weaving requirements, the yarn carrier frequently crosses layers between the six corner wheels, resulting in dense intersections between the full-through tracks and uneven distribution of the formed preforms. To address these issues, this invention proposes a 5+1 layer-connected path scheme. Specifically, connecting track intersection blocks and closed track intersection blocks are alternately installed in the intersection block mounting slots between the outermost two corner wheels and their adjacent layers. Connecting track intersection blocks are installed in the intersection block mounting slots between the remaining adjacent corner wheels. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3 As shown, under these conditions, the closed track forms 10 internal tracks through connecting track intersection blocks. Since the outermost closed track connects to the inner closed tracks at intervals, each internal track can only pass through 5 layers of corner wheels. The yarn carriers on the internal tracks reciprocate along the circumference of the annular weaving base between the 5 layers of corner wheels. The closed tracks corresponding to the two outermost corner wheels are evenly divided into a first arc segment on the outer side and a second arc segment on the inner side along the circumference of the annular weaving base. The second arc segment connected to the closed track intersection block and the adjacent first arc segment form the surface track. The yarn carriers on the two surface tracks on both sides reciprocate along the circumference of the annular weaving base between the same layer of corner wheels. To ensure uniform distribution and stable movement of the yarn carriers, two surface tracks need to be left empty. However, leaving the tracks empty will lead to a decrease in the coverage of the weaving area, resulting in uneven thickness of the preform after tensioning and poor structural continuity.

[0025] To further address the shortcomings of the 5+1 layer connection path scheme, this invention proposes a 2+1 layer connection path scheme, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, connecting track cross blocks 5 and closed track cross blocks 6 are alternately installed in the cross block mounting slots between two adjacent layers of corner wheels 2. Under these conditions, please refer to... Figure 4As shown, the closed tracks corresponding to every two adjacent corner wheels form two inner tracks through the connecting track intersection blocks. The yarn carriers on these inner tracks reciprocate between adjacent corner wheels along the circumference of the annular knitting base. The closed tracks corresponding to the outermost two corner wheels are evenly divided into a first arc segment on the outer side and a second arc segment on the inner side along the circumference of the annular knitting base. The second arc segment, connected to the closed track intersection block, and the adjacent first arc segment form the surface track. The yarn carriers on the surface track reciprocate between the same layer of corner wheels along the circumference of the annular knitting base. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 5 As shown, with this setup, the yarn carrier operates between two layers of corner wheels at most, making the running path clearer and more orderly, greatly reducing track intersections, and eliminating the need for empty tracks, thus obtaining a preform with uniform thickness and good consistency.

[0026] After completing the running path planning, unlike the traditional method of placing 1.5 yarn carriers on each corner wheel on average, this embodiment preferably adopts a layout strategy of arranging one yarn carrier on each corner wheel on average, so that the number of yarn carriers on each track is consistent and the running distance between the yarn carriers is constant. With this layout method, the yarn carriers can be evenly distributed without empty tracks, avoiding excessive load on local corner wheels and ensuring continuous and sufficient track coverage in the weaving area.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 6 As shown, taking the 2+1 layer connection path scheme as an example, the working process of the weaving track system of the modular weaving device is explained. Figure 6 It shows the 8 states contained in a complete knitting cycle. Figure 6 It contains a 4×6 corner wheel array and 24 yarn carriers. Figure 6The numbers in the diagram represent the yarn carrier numbers. During the weaving process, an external control system drives each yarn carrier to run sequentially along its designated track in a preset direction. Within a complete weaving cycle, the yarn carrier passes through each corner wheel on its track in sequence. Through the combined action of the yarn carrier slot and the rotation direction of the corner wheels, the yarn carrier passes through and interchanges at the intersection blocks of connecting tracks in a predetermined order. Yarn carriers on the inner track complete periodic alternation between adjacent layers. For example, yarn carrier number 2 returns to its initial position relative to its corresponding corner wheel layer after a complete weaving cycle. Yarn carriers on the surface track circulate within a single layer. For example, yarn carrier number 1 reciprocates along the outermost corner wheel within a complete weaving cycle. The running paths of all yarn carriers form a stable three-dimensional yarn interlacing path in space. Compared to the complex cross-layer scheduling method in a full-through path, this operating method reduces the complexity of motion control, makes the running rhythm of the yarn carriers more consistent, and facilitates system control. As the yarn carriers continue to operate, the yarns carried by each yarn carrier gradually complete three-dimensional interweaving within the weaving area, forming a three-dimensional woven preform with a multi-layered interconnected structure. After one or more weaving cycles are completed, the formed preform is tightened and shaped to make the yarn distribution in the thickness direction and in-plane direction of the preform tend to be uniform.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 7 The diagram shown is a schematic of the precast model obtained by the 5+1 layered path scheme. It can be seen that due to the presence of two empty tracks, the track coverage of the weaving area decreases, resulting in pores in the precast body. The formed precast body exhibits slightly uneven thickness after tensioning, and the structural continuity is poor. Figure 8 The precast model obtained through the 2+1 layer connection path scheme is shown. The interlayer transition of the precast is continuous and the structural consistency is good. Compared with the precast model obtained through the 5+1 layer connection path scheme, the forming quality is significantly improved.

[0029] In summary, the modular weaving device weaving track system provided in this embodiment, through different settings of track intersection blocks and combined with a uniform yarn carrier arrangement strategy, can switch the yarn carrier running path between a full-through path, a "5+1 layer connection path", and a "2+1 layer connection path". Among them, the 2+1 layer connection path scheme, based on the aforementioned schemes, effectively reduces the risk of yarn carrier running interference without increasing the complexity of the system structure, improves track utilization efficiency and weaving process controllability, and significantly improves the forming quality of the three-dimensional woven preform, thus having the best engineering application value.

Claims

1. A knitting track system for a modular knitting device, comprising a ring-shaped knitting base, an array of corner wheels disposed inside the ring-shaped knitting base, and a yarn carrier running in the array of corner wheels, characterized in that: The corner wheel array consists of multiple corner wheels, which are evenly arranged in multiple layers along the axial direction of the annular weaving base. Within each layer, the corner wheels are evenly arranged circumferentially along the annular weaving base. A closed track is formed along the outer periphery of each corner wheel on the annular weaving base. Intersecting block mounting slots are provided between adjacent closed tracks. These slots cooperate with connecting track intersecting blocks to connect adjacent closed tracks, and with closed track intersecting blocks to isolate adjacent closed tracks. Connecting track intersecting blocks are installed in the corresponding intersecting block mounting slots of the same layer of corner wheels. Connecting track intersecting blocks or closed track intersecting blocks are installed in the intersecting block mounting slots between adjacent layers of corner wheels. All corner wheels are driven by a motor and rotate at the same angular velocity, with any corner wheel rotating in the opposite direction to its adjacent corner wheel. The corner wheels drive the yarn carrier to run along the closed track and transfer the yarn carrier to the adjacent corner wheel at the connecting track intersecting block.

2. The weaving track system of the modular weaving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Four yarn carrier slots are evenly arranged on the outer edge of the corner wheel. The yarn carriers cooperate with the yarn carrier slots. When the corner wheel rotates, the yarn carriers are driven to run along the closed track synchronously. When the yarn carriers run to the intersection block of the connecting track, the yarn carrier slots of the adjacent corner wheels are facing each other, and the yarn carriers are transferred from the yarn carrier slots of the corner wheel to the yarn carrier slots of the adjacent corner wheel.

3. The weaving track system of the modular weaving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of yarn carriers is equal to the number of corner wheels.

4. The weaving track system of the modular weaving device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting track cross block and the closed track cross block are alternately installed in the cross block mounting slot between two adjacent layers of corner wheels.

5. The weaving track system of the modular weaving device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The closed tracks corresponding to the two adjacent corner wheels are connected by a track intersection block to form two internal tracks. The yarn carriers on the internal tracks reciprocate between the two adjacent corner wheels along the circumference of the annular knitting chassis. The closed tracks corresponding to the two outermost corner wheels are evenly divided into a first arc segment on the outside and a second arc segment on the inside along the circumference of the annular knitting chassis. The second arc segment connected to the closed track intersection block and the adjacent first arc segment form the surface track. The yarn carriers on the surface track reciprocate between the same layer of corner wheels along the circumference of the annular knitting chassis.

6. The weaving track system of the modular weaving device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting track cross block is installed in the cross block mounting slot between the two adjacent layers of corner wheels.

7. The weaving track system of the modular weaving device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The closed track is formed by the connecting track intersection blocks into a fully penetrating track with a number twice the number of corner wheel layers. The yarn carrier on the fully penetrating track moves back and forth between the two outermost corner wheels and each middle corner wheel along the circumference of the annular knitting base.

8. The weaving track system of the modular weaving device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting track cross block and the closed track cross block are alternately installed in the cross block mounting slots between the two outermost layers of corner wheels and the corner wheels of their adjacent layers. The connecting track cross block is installed in the cross block mounting slots between the remaining two adjacent layers of corner wheels.

9. The weaving track system of the modular weaving device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The closed track is formed into several internal tracks by the connecting track intersection blocks. The yarn carrier on the internal track moves back and forth between each layer of corner wheels along the circumference of the annular knitting chassis. The closed track corresponding to the two outermost layers of corner wheels is divided into a first arc segment on the outside and a second arc segment on the inside along the circumference of the annular knitting chassis. The second arc segment connected to the closed track intersection block and the adjacent first arc segment form the surface track. The yarn carrier on the surface track moves back and forth between the same layer of corner wheels along the circumference of the annular knitting chassis.

10. The weaving track system of the modular weaving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ring-shaped woven chassis is composed of multiple track plates spliced ​​together, with adjacent track plates connected by tenon joints.

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