ROUND WEAVING MACHINE

Description

[0001] Various embodiments relate to a circular weaving machine.

[0002] Various types of weaving machines are known in the state of the art. To implement the basic principle, many variations are possible for forming the shed. Due to the more or less complex guidance of the warp threads and the creation of the shed from the warp thread sheets, it can sometimes be difficult to optimally configure the drives and other mechanisms (e.g., bearings, rapiers, guide rails, etc.) used to implement weft insertion.

[0003] Various weft insertion principles are known for inserting the weft thread in the weaving process, each of which has its own disadvantages. With conventional weft insertion principles using a rapier system or shuttles, acceptable friction generally occurs between the rapier head or shuttle and the warp thread material. If the weft is inserted using a projectile or rapier system, additional guides for the projectile or rapiers are necessary. Conventional solutions for inserting a weft thread in the weaving process can cause yarn damage to the warp thread material and lead to wear of the weft insertion elements, particularly if a weft insertion element comes into contact with the warp threads. Other conventional weft insertion principles use, for example, a weft needle, although in such applications the producible fabric width can be limited.Conventional weaving machines with air or water weft insertion can produce a particularly high amount of fabric per unit of time, but they may not be suitable for all desired weft and warp thread materials.

[0004] In conventional circular looms, the shuttles usually rest on a guide, which results in high friction between the shuttle and the guide. This can limit the weaving performance of such circular looms. Furthermore, conventional circular looms are designed in such a way that the shuttles roll over the warp threads, i.e. the warp threads are clamped between the respective rollers of the shuttle and the guide. This can cause damage to the warp thread material or prevent the use of only particularly stable warp thread materials. In addition, the shed on conventional circular looms is not opened sufficiently by the healds for the shuttle to pass through, so that the shuttle itself has to open it further while passing through a shed.This can lead to heating and / or damage to the warp threads due to the resulting friction, which is particularly disadvantageous when weaving friction-sensitive threads (e.g., threads sensitive to transverse force), such as those containing ceramic, carbon, aramid, and / or glass fibers. This prevents production speed and thus production output from being increased beyond a certain level.

[0005] Various aspects relate to the realization of a weaving machine, for example, a circular weaving machine, which can reduce or prevent damage to the warp thread material, making it suitable for processing universal materials, and in which the weft insertion device guide functions reliably and precisely. This enables the processing of extremely transverse force-sensitive warp thread materials, which contain or consist of carbon, glass, ceramic, or aramid yarns, with essentially no damage.

[0006] For example, it has been recognized that it can be efficient to use a superconductivity-based stable magnetic bearing for a weft insertion device of the weft thread in a weaving machine, particularly for a circular weaving machine (see, for example, JP 2001 262446 A). The weft insertion device can be coupled to a coupling element for contactless guidance of the weft insertion device using a superconductivity-based bearing. The warp thread material to be fed can be fed to the fabric formation process without damaging the warp thread material by using one or more coupling elements to support and drive the weft insertion device, leaving a gap for the warp threads to pass through.By means of the superconducting-based bearing and movement of the weft insertion device (without direct mechanical contact), some or all of the additional mechanical coupling elements required to guide and / or drive the weft insertion device in the shed can be eliminated, whereby the friction and / or clamping forces between such coupling elements and the warp threads to be processed can be significantly reduced or even eliminated. This enables, for example, the processing of delicate weft and warp thread materials into a woven fabric. Furthermore, the superconducting coupling of the weft insertion device to the coupling element ensures a precise, stable, reliable, and efficient drive (guidance) of the weft insertion device.

[0007] According to various embodiments, a superconductivity-based stable magnetic bearing of a weft insertion device of the weft thread in a weaving machine is used to compensate for a large part (e.g., more than 50%, e.g., up to 100%) of the gravity acting on the weft insertion device. In a circular weaving machine, in some configurations, for example, when the rotation axis of the circular weaving machine is directed vertically, the gravity acts parallel to the axial direction of the circular weaving machine. In this case, mechanical bearings (e.g., rollers and rails, etc.), or another superconductivity-based bearing, or a magnetic bearing, can be used to compensate for the radial forces. In a circular weaving machine, in other configurations, the gravity acts perpendicular to the axial direction of the circular weaving machine, for example, when the rotation axis of the circular weaving machine is directed horizontally.In this case, no additional bearings may be necessary to compensate the radial forces, since the radial forces act parallel to the force of gravity.

[0008] Various embodiments are based, for example, on the aspect of providing a circular loom comprising: a weft insertion device for inserting a weft element into a fabric, wherein the weft insertion device comprises a reservoir for holding the weft element, and wherein the weft insertion device comprises a magnet arrangement for generating a magnetic field;a coupling element comprising a superconductor arrangement with one or more superconductors, wherein the superconductor arrangement and the magnet arrangement are configured such that the magnet arrangement can be mounted in a predefined position relative to the superconductor arrangement such that an air gap is formed between the coupling element and the weft insertion device and that the weft insertion device is guided along a predefined path when the coupling element is moved, wherein the coupling element is arranged behind the weft insertion device with respect to a radial direction of the circular loom;

[0009] Various embodiments are based, for example, on the aspect of providing a circular loom comprising: a weft insertion device for inserting a weft element into a fabric, wherein the weft insertion device comprises a reservoir for holding the weft element, and wherein the weft insertion device comprises a superconductor arrangement with one or more superconductors;a coupling element having a magnet arrangement for generating a magnetic field, wherein the superconductor arrangement and the magnet arrangement are configured such that the magnet arrangement can be mounted in a predefined position relative to the superconductor arrangement such that an air gap is formed between the coupling element and the weft insertion device and that the weft insertion device is guided along a predefined path when the coupling element is moved, wherein the coupling element is arranged behind the weft insertion device with respect to a radial direction of the circular loom;

[0010] Thus, in various embodiments, a circular weaving machine can be provided which, by means of the superconducting coupling of the

[0011] The weft insertion device with the coupling element and thus the elimination of mechanically contact-based guide elements in the shed can reduce or prevent damage to the warp thread material, which can occur, for example, due to friction with the weft insertion device, the coupling element, and / or conventionally used guide elements, while enabling a reliable, precise, and efficient drive of the weft insertion device. Furthermore, the circular weaving machine according to the invention makes it possible to use sensitive warp thread materials.

[0012] In various aspects, the superconductor assembly may be configured such that magnetic flux lines defined by the magnetic field of the magnet assembly may be frozen within the one or more superconductors of the superconductor assembly.

[0013] According to various embodiments, the magnet arrangement can be configured to generate a three-dimensionally inhomogeneous magnetic field.

[0014] The three-dimensional, inhomogeneous magnetic field allows the superconductor arrangement to be fixed relative to the magnet arrangement in all three spatial directions. This prevents any change in the position of the superconductor arrangement relative to the magnet arrangement or of the coupling element relative to the weft insertion device, allowing reliable guidance of the weft insertion device by means of the moving coupling element.

[0015] In various aspects, the superconductor arrangement may be configured such that a flux line distribution may be formed in the one or more superconductors of the superconductor arrangement, wherein the flux line distribution is defined by the magnetic field of the magnet arrangement.

[0016] Through the interaction of the magnetic flux line distribution or the magnetic flux lines of the superconductor arrangement with the magnetic field of the magnet arrangement, a firm and stable mounting or positioning of the superconductor arrangement relative to the magnet arrangement can be achieved.

[0017] In various aspects, the weft insertion device in the circular weaving machine can be configured and mounted in such a way that radial pressure on both sides of the warp threads of the fabric is avoided during operation of the circular weaving machine. This clearly prevents warp threads from becoming trapped between the weft insertion device and another mechanical structure (e.g., conventionally a guide rail or running surface).

[0018] In various aspects, the circular loom may further comprise a drive system configured to drive the coupling element so that the weft insertion device may be mechanically driven indirectly by means of the coupling element.

[0019] In various aspects, the circular loom may further comprise a positioning device for positioning the magnet arrangement in the predefined position relative to the superconductor arrangement for fixing the predefined position during cooling of the superconductor arrangement, wherein preferably the positioning device comprises one or more pins for mechanically holding the weft insertion device and / or the coupling element, which are configured and arranged such that the pins, the coupling element and / or the weft insertion device can be supported by the warp threads.

[0020] Further different embodiments are based, for example, on the aspect of providing a use of the circular loom according to the invention for producing a fabric, wherein at least the warp threads of the fabric comprise ceramic, carbon, aramid and / or glass fibers.

[0021] Examples of embodiments are shown in the figures and are explained in more detail below.

[0022] It shows Fig. 1A a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a circular loom, according to various embodiments; Fig. 1B a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a circular loom, according to various embodiments; Fig. 2A a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a circular weaving machine with a magnetic field, according to various embodiments; Fig. 2B a schematic perspective view of a superconductor arrangement of a circular loom, according to various embodiments; Fig. 2C a schematic cross-sectional view of a superconductor arrangement of a circular loom, according to various embodiments; Fig. 3A a schematic plan view of part of a circular loom, not according to the invention; Fig. 3B a schematic cross-sectional view of part of a circular loom, not according to the invention; Fig. 3C a schematic cross-sectional view of part of a circular loom, not according to the invention; Fig. 4A a schematic plan view of a part of a circular loom, according to various embodiments; Fig. 4B a schematic perspective view of a part of a circular loom, according to various embodiments; Fig. 4C a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a circular loom, according to various embodiments; Fig. 5 a schematic cross-sectional view of a weft insertion device of a circular loom, according to various embodiments; Fig. 6 a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating a circular loom, according to various embodiments.

[0023] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with one another unless specifically stated otherwise. The following description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0024] A superconductor arrangement as described herein can comprise one or more arrangements, each comprising one or more superconductors. The one or more superconductors can be in either a superconducting state or a non-superconducting state. It is understood that an operable device provides for bringing the superconductors into a superconducting state or maintaining them there. A superconducting state can be understood as the so-called mixed phase (Shubnikov phase), which makes it possible to maintain a superconductor in a stable position relative to a magnetic field by keeping the magnetic field lines fixed in place or positionally fixed in the superconductor. This is figuratively referred to as freezing the magnetic field in the superconductor.

[0025] In various embodiments, the term "three-dimensionally inhomogeneous magnetic field" can be understood to mean a magnetic field that can have different magnetic field orientations in all spatial directions. This can be achieved, for example, by using several individual magnets, each of which generates a magnetic field, with the respective magnetic fields having field lines that are not parallel to one another.

[0026] The term "predefined path" can be used in this description to describe a fictitious (imaginary), non-structural path of movement along which, for example, the weft insertion device can move or moves during operation. The predefined path can be circular, elliptical, or generally rounded or oval, for example. The predefined path can, for example, run within the loom shed, so that the weft insertion device can be moved within the loom shed along the predefined path.

[0027] Fig. 1A illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a circular loom, according to various embodiments, and Fig. 1B illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a circular loom according to further various embodiments.

[0028] As in Fig. 1A As illustrated, the circular loom 100 may, in various embodiments, comprise a weft insertion device 110 for inserting a weft element 118 into a fabric, wherein the weft insertion device 110 comprises a reservoir 116 for holding the weft element 118. The weft insertion device 110 may comprise a magnet arrangement 112, wherein the magnet arrangement 112 generates a magnetic field MF, as shown, for example, in Fig. 2A shown. The circular weaving machine 100 may further comprise a coupling element 120, which comprises a superconductor arrangement 122 with one or more superconductors 124. The superconductor arrangement 122 and the magnet arrangement 112 may be configured such that the magnet arrangement 112 can be mounted in a predefined position relative to the superconductor arrangement 122 such that an air gap L is formed between the coupling element 120 and the weft insertion device 110 and that the weft insertion device 110 can be moved along a predefined path 130, such as in Fig. 3A (not according to the invention) is guided when the coupling element 120 is moved.

[0029] The air gap L between the weft insertion device 110 and the coupling element 120, as shown for example in Fig. 3B (not according to the invention) can be provided, for example, when the superconductor arrangement 122 is in a superconducting state and has been cooled in this relative position relative to the magnet arrangement 112.

[0030] Illustratively, the superconductor arrangement 122 and the magnet arrangement 112 can be operatively connected or mounted relative to one another in such a way that the air gap L between the weft insertion device 110 and the coupling element 120 remains substantially the same (constant) during operation of the circular weaving machine 100, for example, regardless of the operating conditions. Furthermore, the operative connection between the superconductor arrangement 122 and the magnet arrangement 112 can be such that an offset of the weft insertion device 110 relative to the coupling element 120 during operation of the circular weaving machine 100 is substantially avoided and / or prevented. For example, the predefined position of the magnet arrangement 112 relative to the superconductor arrangement 122 can remain unchanged during the guidance of the weft insertion device 110 along the predefined path 130 by means of the moving coupling element 120. With reference to Figs. 2A-2C The principle of superconducting support and / or movement of the superconductor arrangement 122 relative to the magnet arrangement 112 is explained below, according to various embodiments.

[0031] In various embodiments, the superconductor arrangement 122 can be configured such that magnetic flux lines FL, which are defined by the magnetic field MF of the magnet arrangement 112, can be frozen within the one or more superconductors 124 of the superconductor arrangement 122. In various embodiments, the superconductor arrangement 122 can further be configured such that a flux line distribution can be formed in the one or more superconductors 124 of the superconductor arrangement 122, wherein the flux line distribution is defined by the magnetic field MF of the magnet arrangement 112. For example, the flux line distribution can correspond to the spatial distribution of the magnetic field that penetrates the respective superconductor during freezing.

[0032] This can be done, for example, if the magnet arrangement 112 is brought into a predefined position relative to the superconductor arrangement 122, in which magnetic field lines FL MF of the magnetic field MF of the magnet arrangement 112 pass through the one or more superconductors 124 of the superconductor arrangement 122 that are in a non-superconducting state, and then the superconductor arrangement 122 is converted to a superconducting state in the predefined position relative to a superconducting state or is brought into a superconducting state. A corresponding detailed description of the positioning of the superconductor arrangement 122 in the predefined position will be described in connection with the method for operating the circular loom, for example in Fig. 6 , explained in more detail.

[0033] The superconducting mounting and / or movement of the superconductor arrangement 122 by means of the magnet arrangement 112 can ensure a fixed and stable (floating) positioning of the superconductor arrangement 122 relative to the magnet arrangement 112, with holding forces of more than 500 N, for example more than 1000 N, for example by means of the simultaneous repulsion and attraction forces of the one or more superconductors 124 with respect to the magnetic field MF of the magnet arrangement 112. This positioning can be achieved, for example, independently of the weight of the weft insertion device 110, which is reduced or becomes smaller due to the unwinding or weaving of the weft thread of the weft element 118.

[0034] As a result, it is possible, for example, to dispense with compensation means which must compensate for the change in the gravity of the weft insertion device 110 during operation of the circular weaving machine 100 when the rotational axis of the circular weaving machine 100 is vertical, for example, and the weft insertion device 110 is guided along the predefined path 130 essentially in a tangential direction, relative to the rotational axis of the circular weaving machine 100. This will be explained in connection with the description of the Fig. 3C described in more detail.

[0035] In various embodiments, the magnetic interaction provided between the superconductor arrangement 122 and the magnet arrangement 112 can be such that, for example, a holding force in a range of 500 N to 3000 N is generated. Such large holding forces cannot be efficiently provided using permanent magnets. Furthermore, multidimensional forces, such as those that can be provided by the magnetic interaction between the superconductor arrangement 122 and the magnet arrangement 112, cannot be efficiently provided using permanent magnets.

[0036] In various embodiments, the superconductor arrangement 122 can be designed such that the magnetic flux lines FL are pinned by means of pinning centers 126 (trap locations), for example defects and / or impurities, as in Fig. 2A and FIG. 2C shown, can be held in the structure of the material or in the crystal lattice of the one or more superconductors 124 of the superconductor arrangement 122. Such one or more superconductors can be characterized, for example, as type II superconductors. The one or more superconductors 124 can have regions 127, called flux tubes, in which the magnetic flux lines FL are guided or frozen through the one or more superconductors 124, as in Fig. 2B is illustrated.

[0037] In various embodiments, the one or more superconductors 124 may comprise or consist of ceramic high-temperature superconductors, for example Ln-barium-copper oxides (Ln = Y, Sm, Gd or Nd) or bismuth-strontium-calcium-copper oxides, metal compounds, for example MgB2 or FeSe.

[0038] In various embodiments, the magnet arrangement 112 may comprise a plurality of individual magnets 114 with mutually different magnetic field orientations (for example, the plurality of individual magnets 114 are oppositely polarized with respect to each other), as shown in Fig. 2A as shown by the arrows. The plurality of individual magnets 114 can be configured, for example, as permanent magnets. In one embodiment, the magnet arrangement 112 can be configured to generate a three-dimensionally inhomogeneous magnetic field MF, for example, a magnetic field MF that is inhomogeneous in all spatial directions. Magnets arranged next to one another with opposite polarity can be suitable for efficiently providing an inhomogeneous magnetic field, since curved magnetic field lines always result for the overall magnetic field.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the circular weaving machine 100 can further comprise a sensor 125 for monitoring whether the weft insertion device 110 is in the predefined position. The sensor 125 can be, for example, a distance sensor. In various embodiments, the sensor 125 or a part of the sensor 125 can be arranged on the coupling element 120, for example, on a carrier 126 of the superconductor arrangement 122. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor or a part of the sensor 125 can be arranged, for example, on the weft insertion device 110. In one embodiment, the sensor or a part of the sensor 125 can be arranged, for example, in the circular weaving machine 100, for example, on a component of the circular weaving machine 100 that does not move during operation of the circular weaving machine 100, but can monitor the predefined position of the weft insertion device 110 relative to the coupling element 120 during operation of the circular weaving machine 100.

[0040] This enables early detection of a change in position of the weft insertion device 110 relative to the coupling element 120, for example when the superconducting properties of the one or more superconductors 124 deteriorate, for example when the one or more superconductors 124 are in a temperature range in which the one or more superconductors 124 are in a non-superconducting state, for example above the critical temperature of the one or more superconductors 124. This can prevent disruptions and / or damage to the warp thread material.

[0041] In various embodiments, the coupling element 120 can be arranged below the weft insertion device 110 with respect to a direction parallel to the rotation axis C 1 of the circular loom 100, as shown for example in Fig. 3A is illustrated. In one embodiment, the superconductor arrangement 122 can be arranged in the coupling element 120 on a side of the coupling element 120 that is adjacent to the air gap L, for example, on an upper side of the coupling element 120. Alternatively or additionally, the magnet arrangement 112 can be arranged in the superconductor arrangement 122 on a side of the superconductor arrangement 122 that is adjacent to the air gap L, for example, on an underside of the superconductor arrangement 122.

[0042] The air gap L and / or the predefined position can be selected such that friction of the weft insertion device 110 and / or the coupling element 120 with the warp threads 140 can be minimized or prevented. In one embodiment, the weft insertion device 110 can be configured and mounted in the circular weaving machine 100 such that a bilateral radial pressure on the warp threads 140 of the fabric is avoided during operation of the circular weaving machine 100. This will be explained, for example, in connection with the description of the Fig. 3C described in more detail.

[0043] In the circular weaving machine 100 according to the invention, the weft insertion device 110 can be guided along the predefined path 130, according to various embodiments, essentially in a tangential direction relative to the rotational axis of the circular weaving machine 100. In various embodiments, the rotational axis of the circular weaving machine 100 can be directed vertically. Alternatively, the rotational axis of the circular weaving machine 100 can be directed horizontally. To simplify the entire description, embodiments are described below in which the rotational axis of the circular weaving machine 100 is directed vertically. These embodiments apply analogously when the rotational axis of the circular weaving machine 100 is directed horizontally.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the superconductor arrangement 122 can comprise a cooling device 128 configured such that the cooling device 128 can maintain the one or more superconductors 124 at least within a predefined temperature range. In one embodiment, the predefined temperature range can be selected such that the one or more superconductors 124 of the superconductor arrangement 122 are in a superconducting state, for example, in the mixed phase, also called the Shubnikov phase.

[0045] In various embodiments, the cooling device 128 can be separated from the superconductor assembly 122, for example, to (re-)cool the cooling device 128, and / or removed from the circular weaving machine 100. This can be advantageous, for example, if the weft insertion device 110 comprises the superconductor assembly 122. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling device 128 can be cooled, for example, during operation of the circular weaving machine 100. This can enable a reduction in maintenance time, while the fabric throughput of the circular weaving machine 100 is substantially unaffected.

[0046] In various embodiments, the circular loom 100 may, for example, have a cooling system (not shown) for heat dissipation, which is arranged outside the coupling element 120 but is in thermal contact with the coupling element 120 and / or with the one or more superconductors 124.

[0047] In various embodiments, the circular loom 100 may, for example, be configured such that a coolant, for example a cooling liquid, can pass from the cooling system to the cooling device 128 and can be led back to the cooling system.

[0048] In further various embodiments, the circular weaving machine 100 can, for example, be configured such that a connection between the cooling system and the cooling device 128 comprises or consists of a thermally conductive material, for example made of copper, which can transfer the cooling power from the cooling system to the cooling device 128.

[0049] According to various embodiments, the superconductor assembly 122 may include a temperature sensor (not shown) for controlling the temperature of the cooling device 128.

[0050] According to various embodiments, the reservoir 116 for holding the weft element 118 can be detachably connected to the weft insertion device 110. This can enable replacement of the weft element 118 (e.g., a weft thread as the weft element) and / or the weft bobbin without having to decouple the weft insertion device 110 from the coupling element 120. This can reduce or prevent an impairment in the fabric throughput for the production of the fabric by the circular weaving machine 100. Thus, the circular weaving machine 100 can efficiently produce a fabric. For example, the weft insertion device 110 can be decoupled from the coupling element 120 by heating the superconductor arrangement 122 and / or the one or more superconductors 124 such that the superconductor arrangement 122 and / or the one or more superconductors 124 are in a non-superconducting state.

[0051] To simplify the entire description, embodiments are described in which the magnet arrangement 112 is arranged in the weft insertion device 110 and the superconducting arrangement 122 is arranged in the coupling element 120, wherein these embodiments apply analogously when the magnet arrangement 112 is arranged in the coupling element 120 and the superconducting arrangement 122 is arranged in the weft insertion device 110, for example as in Fig. 1B is illustrated.

[0052] Fig. 3A illustrates a schematic plan view of part of a circular loom, not according to the invention; Fig. 3B illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a circular loom according to the Fig. 3A ; and Fig. 3C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a circular loom according to the Fig. 3A .

[0053] Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C show the circular weaving machine 100 of the Figs. 1A, 1B , wherein the coupling element 120 can be arranged below the weft insertion device 110 with respect to a vertical axial direction of the circular loom 100. The following description of the Figs. 3A bis 3C can apply analogously to an arrangement of the coupling element 120 above the weft insertion device 110.

[0054] As in Fig. 3A As illustrated, the circular loom 100 may have multiple pairs of weft insertion devices 110 and coupling elements 120. In various variants, the multiple pairs of weft insertion devices 110 and coupling elements 120 may each be arranged at a predefined distance from one another (at equal distances from one another) along the predefined path 130. To simplify the detailed description, the detailed explanations will be directed to one pair of weft insertion devices 110 and coupling element 120, with the entire detailed description applying analogously to multiple pairs of weft insertion devices 110 and coupling elements 120.

[0055] In various variants, the circular weaving machine 100 may further comprise a drive system 150, 152 configured to drive the coupling element 120, so that the weft insertion device 110 can be mechanically driven indirectly by means of the coupling element 120.

[0056] In various variants, the drive system 150, 152 can comprise a drive ring (not shown) mechanically connected to the coupling element 120 for holding or guiding the coupling element 120, which can, for example, be rotatably mounted on the circumference. For example, the drive ring can be arranged on the predefined track 130, e.g., below the coupling element 120. The drive ring can, for example, be rotatably connected to the shaft of the circular loom. In one

[0057] In one variant, the drive ring can be driven, for example, by a drive arranged coaxially on the shaft or relative to the shaft of the circular loom (e.g., by a motor of the drive system). Alternatively, the drive ring can be driven circumferentially, for example, with an outer circumferential drive (not shown).

[0058] In various variants, the drive system 150, 152 can, for example, comprise at least one gear transmission and a gear for transmitting torque from a motor of the drive system 150, 152 to the coupling element 120 (not shown). The drive system 150, 152 can further be connected to a control unit, which can be arranged, for example, internally or externally (for example, by remote control) to the circular loom.

[0059] In various variants, the drive system 150, 152 can have a rotatably mounted holder 150 for holding or guiding the coupling element 120. For example, a motor of the drive system 150, 152 (not shown) for rotating the holder 150 can be arranged on the rotational axis C 1 of the circular loom 100, for example below the rotational axis C 1. For example, the holder 150 can be mounted coaxially to the rotational axis C 1 of the circular loom 100. To hold or guide the coupling element 120, the holder 150 can, for example, be mechanically connected to the coupling element 120. For example, the holder 150 can be arranged radially on the coupling element 120 with respect to a radial direction of the circular loom 100. In one variant, the drive system 150, 152 can, for example, have an arm 152 that connects the holder 150 to the coupling element 120.The arm 152 can extend, for example, perpendicular to the rotational axis Ci in a radial direction. In various variants, the drive system 150, 152 can be arranged outside the shed 142 of the circular loom 100.

[0060] In various variants, a component of the drive system 150, 152, for example, the arm 152, can serve as a support for transferring the cooling power from the cooling system to the cooling device 128. For example, the coolant can be guided from the cooling system to the cooling device 128 via a line on the arm 152. Alternatively or additionally, the arm 152 can be used as a support for the thermally conductive cooling material.

[0061] According to various variants, the circular weaving machine 100 may further comprise a guide structure 132 which radially surrounds the predefined path 130 of the weft insertion device 110 at least in sections, for example completely.

[0062] In various variants, the weft insertion device 110 and the guide structure 132 can be configured such that the weft insertion device 110 is radially supported on the guide structure 132, for example, on an inner surface of the guide structure 132, during operation of the circular weaving machine 100 when the weft insertion device 110 is guided along the predefined path 130. When the weft insertion device 110 is guided along the predefined path 130, the weft insertion device 110 can be at the same distance from the guide structure 132. The guide structure 110 can thus absorb the radially acting centrifugal forces that arise when the weft insertion device 110 rotates in the circular weaving machine 100.

[0063] The guide structure 132 can comprise reeds (dents), for example in the form of a reed or a loom comb, wherein the reeds are separated from each other by slots through which the warp threads 140 run. The guide structure 132 can be profiled, for example, by a semi-open recess (L), an approximately U-shaped recess (C), or a U-shaped recess, for example, with one or two side edges. The profiled guide structure 132 can, for example, be designed to form a guide channel for the weft insertion device 110.

[0064] In various variants, the weaving reeds of the guide structure 132 can be made of metal, for example. In one variant, the weaving reeds of the guide structure 132 can be designed as magnets, for example. This can, for example, enable the weft insertion device 110 to be supported by magnetic forces between the weft insertion device 110 with the superconductor arrangement 122 and the guide structure 132. Alternatively or additionally, the weft insertion device 110 can, for example, have guide rollers 113 for supporting the weft insertion device 110 on the guide structure 132. The guide rollers 113 can have a rotation axis C 2 that is parallel to the rotation axis C 1 of the circular loom 100.At least two guide rollers 113, for example, three guide rollers 113, can be mounted or arranged in the weft insertion device 110, for example, two guide rollers 113 on a lower side of the weft insertion device 110 and one guide roller 113 on an upper side of the weft insertion device 110, or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, the weft insertion device 110 can, for example, further comprise support rollers 115, which have a rotational axis C 3 that is perpendicular to the rotational axis C 1 of the circular loom 100 in the radial direction. The support rollers 115 can, for example, support the weft insertion device 110 in the axial direction. Furthermore, the support rollers 115 can serve as a safety device for preventing the weft insertion device 110 from falling, for example, onto the coupling element 120, for example, in the event of a failure of the superconductor arrangement 122 and / or the cooling device 128.

[0065] In various variants, the weft insertion device 110 and / or the guide structure 132 in the circular weaving machine 100 can be configured and mounted in such a way that a bilateral radial pressure on warp threads 140 of the fabric is avoided during operation of the circular weaving machine 100.

[0066] In one variant, the guide structure 132 and / or the profile of the guide structure 132 can, for example, be designed such that the warp threads 140 do not come into contact or are not rolled over by guide rollers and / or support rollers during the guidance of the weft insertion device 110. For example, the weft insertion device 110 and / or the guide structure 132 can be designed such that the warp threads 140 can be arranged above or below an upper or lower running surface of the guide structure 132 of the weft insertion device 110.

[0067] In a further variant, the weft insertion device 110 can be free of support rollers 115, which support the weft insertion device 110 in the axial direction. For example, support rollers 115 can be omitted if the rotational axis C1 of the circular weaving machine 100 is oriented horizontally, whereby, for example, the guide rollers 113 can absorb the gravitational forces.

[0068] In various variants, the coupling element 120 can be mechanically rotatably mounted and along the guide structure 132, as in Fig. 3B illustrated, or another management structure 134, as in Fig. 3C is illustrated, and / or be movable along an inner surface thereof. The coupling element 120, the guide structure 132, and / or the further guide structure 134 can be configured analogously to the weft insertion device 110 and / or the guide structure 132 relative to one another, for example with regard to the shape, profile, and / or material of the guide structure 134 and / or with regard to the provision of the coupling element 120 with guide rollers 113 and / or support rollers 115.

[0069] Fig. 4A illustrates a schematic plan view of a portion of a circular loom according to various embodiments of the invention; Fig. 4B illustrates a schematic perspective view of a part of a circular loom, according to various embodiments of the Fig. 4A ; Fig. 4C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a circular loom, according to various embodiments of the Fig. 4A. Figs. 4A, 4B and4C show the circular weaving machine 100 of the Figs. 1A, 1B , whereby according to

[0070] various embodiments, the coupling element 120 is arranged behind the weft insertion device 110 with respect to a radial direction of the circular loom 100.

[0071] The circular loom 100 of the Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C may produce embodiments according to the Figs. 1A bis 3C described embodiments, unless expressly stated otherwise in this section.

[0072] As in Fig. 4A and just like in Fig. 3A As illustrated, the circular loom 100 may have multiple pairs of weft insertion devices 110 and coupling elements 120. To simplify the detailed description of the various embodiments, the detailed explanations will be directed to one pair of weft insertion devices 110 and coupling element 120, with the entire detailed description applying analogously to multiple pairs of weft insertion devices 110 and coupling elements 120.

[0073] According to various embodiments, the circular weaving machine 100 can further comprise a guide structure 134 that radially surrounds the predefined path 130 of the weft insertion device 110 at least partially, for example, completely. In various embodiments, the coupling element 120 and the guide structure 134 can be configured such that the coupling element 120 is supported on the guide structure 134, for example, on an inner surface of the guide structure 134, during operation of the circular weaving machine 100.

[0074] The guide structure 134 and / or the coupling element 120 can be designed according to the Fig. 3A bis 3C The described embodiments can be configured or designed in this way. For example, in one embodiment, the guide structure 134 can be comb-shaped (e.g., with reeds) and / or profiled for supporting the coupling element 120. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling element 120 can, for example, have guide rollers 123 and / or support rollers.

[0075] Because the weft insertion device 110 can be guided by the coupling element 120 supported on the guide structure 134, the centrifugal forces during operation of the circular weaving machine 100 can be absorbed by the coupling element 120 or by the guide structure 134. This can make it possible to eliminate the need for a guide structure 132 and guide rollers 113 for the weft insertion device 110. In one embodiment, the strong superconducting interaction between the weft insertion device 110 and the coupling element 120 can enable stable superconducting mounting and / or movement of the weft insertion device 110 relative to the coupling element 120, so that support rollers 123 in the weft insertion device 110 can be omitted.

[0076] As in Fig. 4C As illustrated, the coupling element 120 can be arranged, for example, in the shed 142.

[0077] In various embodiments, the coupling element 120 can be driven contactlessly, for example, in a floating manner, for example by means of a further magnetic superconducting bearing. A drive system (not shown) can, for example, comprise a plurality of individual magnets, and the coupling element 120 can comprise a further superconductor arrangement (not shown). The plurality of individual magnets of the drive system and the further superconductor arrangement of the coupling element 120 can be configured and / or mounted in such a way that an air gap is formed between the coupling element 120 and the drive system. In one embodiment, the warp threads 140 can be guided between the coupling element 120 and the drive system.

[0078] Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a weft insertion device 110 of a circular loom 100, according to various embodiments.

[0079] According to various embodiments, the weft insertion device 110 can be configured such that frictional forces between the weft insertion device 110 and the warp threads 140 can be reduced or prevented.

[0080] In various embodiments, the weft insertion device 110 can have a housing whose surfaces have a low roughness, for example, are smooth. This can, for example, reduce frictional forces between the weft insertion device 110 and the warp threads 140 in the event that they come into physical contact during operation of the circular weaving machine 100.

[0081] In various embodiments, the weft insertion device 110 may, for example, to assist the opening of the shed 142 when the weft insertion device 110 enters the shed 142, have one or more weft fingers 111 for opening the shed 142 of the circular loom 100, as shown in Fig. 5 The one or more weft fingers 111 can, for example, be arranged at one or both longitudinally end portions of the weft insertion device 110. This can allow the frictional forces between the weft insertion device 110 and the warp threads 140 to be further reduced.

[0082] How Fig. 5 shows, the weft insertion device 110 can, in various embodiments, have a first warp thread transport device 117a for providing a contact surface for depositing warp threads 140a that pass the weft insertion device 110 on a first side 110a. The first warp thread transport device 117a can be configured such that the contact surface remains stationary relative to the warp threads 140a. Alternatively or additionally, the weft insertion device 110 can, in various embodiments, have a second warp thread transport device 117b for providing a contact surface for depositing warp threads 140b that pass the weft insertion device 110 on a second side 110b. The second warp thread transport device 117b can be configured such that the contact surface remains stationary relative to the warp threads 140b.

[0083] The first warp thread transport device 117a and the second warp thread transport device 117b can enable the warp threads 140a, 140b passing through the weft insertion device 110 to experience reduced or absent frictional forces from the weft insertion device 110. For example, the warp threads 140a, 140b can exhibit no relative movement in the circumferential direction to the contact surfaces with the weft insertion device 110, with which the warp threads 140a, 140b come into contact when they pass through the weft insertion device 110. Clearly, the first warp thread transport device 117a and the first warp thread transport device 117b can be configured such that the contact surface can remain stationary relative to the warp threads 140a, 140b.

[0084] In various embodiments, the first warp thread transport device 117a and the second warp thread transport device 117b can be designed in the form of a circulating belt (for example, one mounted so as to be movable in a circulating manner). The conveyor belt can be configured, for example, such that the warp threads remain free from the pressure exerted by the conveyor belt. For example, the conveyor belt can be configured to be soft and / or loose. Alternatively or additionally, the circulating belt can be moved, for example, at a speed such that a respective warp thread 140a, 140b can be deposited on the circulating belt and transported counter to the direction of movement of the weft insertion device 110 relative to the weft insertion device 110.

[0085] In various embodiments, the first warp thread transport device 117a and the second warp thread transport device 117b can be connected to the above-described guide rollers 113 of the weft insertion device 110 such that the guide rollers 113 can drive the first warp thread transport device 117a and the second warp thread transport device 117b, for example, by means of a belt connection. As a result, the first warp thread transport device 117a and the second warp thread transport device 117b can be driven at a speed that can be the same as the running speed of the warp threads 140a, 140b relative to the weft insertion device 110.In various embodiments, the first warp thread transport device 117a and the second warp thread transport device 117b can be configured such that the contact surface is moved relative to the weft insertion device 110 in a direction opposite to a direction along which the weft insertion device 110 moves. The direction of the first warp thread transport device 117a and the second warp thread transport device 117b can be an opposite running direction to the direction of the weft insertion device 110 during operation of the circular weaving machine 100.

[0086] Fig. 6 illustrates a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating the circular loom 100, according to various embodiments.

[0087] According to various aspects, a method 600 for operating the circular weaving machine 100 may include a step of positioning 602 a superconductor arrangement 122 of a coupling element 120 of the circular weaving machine 100 in a predefined position relative to a magnet arrangement 112 of a weft insertion device 110 of the circular weaving machine 100, wherein an air gap L is formed between the coupling element 120 and the weft insertion device 110 in the predefined position, wherein the weft insertion device 110 is configured to insert a weft element 118 into a fabric. The method may further include cooling 604 the coupling element 120 to a temperature at which the superconductor arrangement 122 of the coupling element 120 has superconducting properties; and driving 606 the coupling element 120 to guide the weft insertion device 110 along a predefined path 130.

[0088] In various embodiments, positioning 602 can be performed by means of a positioning device that is removable from the circular weaving machine 100 or movably mounted in the circular weaving machine 100. The positioning device can be configured to position the magnet assembly 112 in the predefined position relative to the superconductor assembly 122 and / or to position the superconductor assembly 122 in the predefined position relative to the magnet assembly 112 to fix the predefined position during the cooling 604 of the superconductor assembly 122.

[0089] In various embodiments, the positioning device may, for example, comprise one or more pins for mechanically holding the weft insertion device 110 and / or the coupling element 120, which are configured and arranged such that the pins can support, carry or mount the coupling element 120 and / or the weft insertion device 110 through the warp threads 140.

[0090] In various embodiments, cooling 604 may include activating the cooling device 128, for example, by inserting the removable cooling device 128 into the superconductor assembly 122 or switching on the cooling system to cool the cooling device 128.

[0091] In various embodiments, the method 600 may further comprise, between the cooling 604 and the driving 606 of the coupling element 120, a step of decoupling the weft insertion device 110 and / or the coupling element 120 with the positioning device and a step of removing the positioning device from the shed 142.

[0092] It is understood that functions, embodiments, etc. described herein with reference to a method may also be implemented in the same or similar manner in a device and vice versa.

[0093] According to various aspects, a use of a circular loom 100 described herein according to the present invention may be provided for producing a fabric, wherein at least the warp threads of the fabric comprise or consist of ceramic, carbon, aramid, glass fibers and / or combinations thereof.

Claims

1. Circular weaving machine (100), having: - a weft insertion device (110) for inserting a weft element (118) into a woven fabric, wherein the weft insertion device (110) has a reservoir (116) for storing the weft element (118), and wherein the weft insertion device (110) has a magnet arrangement (112) for generating a magnetic field (MF); - a coupling element (120), which has a superconductor arrangement (122) with one or more superconductors (124), wherein the superconductor arrangement (122) and the magnet arrangement (112) are designed in such a way that the magnet arrangement (112) can be mounted in a predefined position relative to the superconductor arrangement (122) in such a way that an air gap (L) is formed between the coupling element (120) and the weft insertion device (110) and that the weft insertion device (110) is guided along a predefined path (130) when the coupling element (120) is moved; characterized in that the coupling element (120) is arranged behind the weft insertion device (110) with respect to a radial direction of the circular weaving machine (100).

2. Circular weaving machine (100), having: - a weft insertion device (110) for inserting a weft element (118) into a woven fabric, wherein the weft insertion device (110) has a reservoir (116) for storing the weft element (118), and wherein the weft insertion device (110) has a superconductor arrangement (122) with one or more superconductors (124); - a coupling element (120), which has a magnet arrangement (112) for generating a magnetic field (MF), wherein the superconductor arrangement (122) and the magnet arrangement (112) are designed in such a way that the magnet arrangement (112) can be mounted in a predefined position relative to the superconductor arrangement (122) in such a way that an air gap is formed between the coupling element (120) and the weft insertion device (110) and that the weft insertion device (110) is guided along a predefined path when the coupling element (120) is moved; characterized in that the coupling element (120) is arranged behind the weft insertion device (110) with respect to a radial direction of the circular weaving machine (100).

3. Circular weaving machine (100) according to either of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the magnet arrangement (112) has a plurality of individual magnets (114) with different magnetic field orientations to each other, wherein the plurality of individual magnets (114) are preferably in the form of permanent magnets.

4. Circular weaving machine (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the magnet arrangement (112) is designed to generate a three-dimensionally inhomogeneous magnetic field (MF), and wherein the superconductor arrangement (122) is preferably formed in such a way that a flux line distribution can be formed in the one or more superconductors (124) of the superconductor arrangement (122), wherein the flux line distribution is defined by the magnetic field (MF) of the magnet arrangement (112).

5. Circular weaving machine (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the superconductor arrangement (122) has a cooling device (128) which is designed in such a way that the cooling device (128) can keep the one or more superconductors (124) at least in a predefined temperature range, wherein the superconductor arrangement (122) preferably has a temperature sensor for checking the temperature of the cooling device (128), wherein the cooling device (124) is preferably a thermal compound for keeping the one or more superconductors (124) in the predefined temperature range.

6. Circular weaving machine (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the reservoir (116) for storing the weft element (118) is releasably connected to the weft insertion device (110).

7. Circular weaving machine (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the circular weaving machine (100) further has a sensor (125) for monitoring whether the weft insertion device (110) is in the predefined position, wherein the sensor (125) is preferably a distance sensor.

8. Circular weaving machine (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the weft insertion device (110) is designed and mounted in the circular weaving machine (100) in such a way that radial pressure on both sides of warp threads (140) of the woven fabric is avoided during operation of the circular weaving machine (100).

9. Circular weaving machine (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 8, further having a drive system (150, 152) designed to drive the coupling element (120), so that the weft insertion device (110) can be mechanically driven indirectly by means of the coupling element (120), wherein the drive system (150, 152) preferably has a rotatably mounted holder for holding / guiding the coupling element, wherein the holder is further preferably mounted coaxially in relation to the rotation axis of the circular weaving machine (100) and is mechanically connected to the coupling element (120), wherein the drive system (150) is yet further preferably arranged outside the shed (142) of the circular weaving machine (100) .

10. Circular weaving machine (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 9, further having a guide structure (132) which radially surrounds the predefined path (130) of the weft insertion device (110) at least in sections, wherein the weft insertion device (110) and the guide structure (132) are designed in such a way that the weft insertion device (110) is radially supported on the guide structure (132) during operation of the circular weaving machine (100), wherein the weft insertion device (110) preferably has guide rollers (113) for supporting the weft insertion device (110) on the guide structure (132).

11. Circular weaving machine (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the coupling element (120) is movably mounted and can be moved along an inner surface of the guide structure (132), if in combination with Claim 10, or along an inner surface of a further guide structure (134).

12. Circular weaving machine (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the weft insertion device (110) has a first warp thread transportation device (117a) for providing a contact area for depositing warp threads (140a), which pass the weft insertion device (110) on a first side (110a), wherein the first warp thread transportation device (117a) is designed in such a way that the contact area remains stationary relative to the warp threads (140a); wherein the weft insertion device (110) has a second warp thread transportation device (117b) for providing a contact area for depositing warp threads (140b), which pass the weft insertion device (110) on a second side (110b) which is situated opposite the first side, wherein the second warp thread transportation device (117b) is designed in such a way that the contact area remains stationary relative to the warp threads (140b).

13. Circular weaving machine (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 12, further having a positioning device for positioning the magnet arrangement in the predefined position relative to the superconductor arrangement (122) for determining the predefined position during cooling of the superconductor arrangement (122).