Rotational braiding machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rotational braiding machine (100) and to an associated method for operating a rotational braiding machine (100). The rotational braiding machine (100) has a plurality of first braiding material carriers (200a), a plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b), a movement unit, a drive and a controller. The movement unit is arranged and designed in order to move relocating elements (300) associated with the first braiding material carriers (200a) in each case between a first position and a second position. The drive is designed: to drive the plurality of first braiding material carriers (200a) such that they rotate about the common braiding center in a first rotation direction; and to drive the plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b) such that they rotate about the common braiding center in a second rotation direction which is different from the first rotation direction. The controller is additionally designed to control the movement unit such that the movement of at least one of the relocating elements (300) can be adjusted.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotary braiding machine and a method for operating such a rotary braiding machine.

[0002] Braiding machines for interlacing braided material are known in the art. Known braiding machines are fundamentally based on a similar concept. In order to form a braid, the braiding material carriers, such as spool carriers, must be guided around each other in a specific pattern to achieve the interlacing of the braided material. The braiding material can be, for example, wire or yarn. The braiding material unwinds from the braiding material carriers and is bundled in a ring. The finished braid is formed within this ring. The point at which the braiding is completed, i.e., the braiding material is compacted to its final width and has reached its final position within the textile, is referred to as the braiding point. A take-off device conveys the finished braid out of the machine. The movement of the braiding material carriers (e.g.,The movement of the spool and the conveying of the braid must be carried out at precisely matching speeds to ensure that the desired braiding angle is maintained in the product.

[0003] Two different approaches to designing the movement of the braiding material carriers and the interlacing of the braided material are used in today's braiding machines: bobbin braiding and rotary braiding. Rotary braiding is based on the realization that the speed of conventional bobbin braiding machines could not be significantly increased due to the oscillating bobbin movement. Therefore, a design principle for braiding machines was sought in which the braiding material carriers rotate evenly around the braiding center. Rotary braiding allows for significantly higher production speeds and is therefore also called high-speed braiding.

[0004] In rotary braiding, the two groups of braiding material carriers (e.g. spool carriers) on which the braiding material is stored, each move on a circular path in opposite directions around the braiding center. The two paths are arranged in such a way that the wire is drawn from the braiding material carriers in one direction of rotation directly to the braiding point. This path is often referred to as the inner path and corresponds to a simple rotary movement. The braiding material coming from the braiding material carriers in the other - often called the outer - path must now be guided alternately above and below the braiding material carriers coming towards you on the inner path in order to tie off the braid. The braiding material coming from the outer braiding material carriers changes from the lower to the upper position several times during one orbit of the machine center so that it can pass below or above the inner spools.The position change does not have to occur after each pass through a braided material carrier in the opposite direction; several can also be passed one after the other. This allows the weave type of the braid to be influenced. The braided material is controlled using a so-called traversing unit, the design of which can vary depending on the machine's construction principle.

[0005] The result of such interlacing is an axially oriented crossing of the braided material, such as single and multi-strand wires. Conventional rotary braiding machines can only produce braids with a consistent crossing pattern. A braid with a different crossing pattern cannot be produced with conventional rotary braiding machines.

[0006] DE 489 303 C relates to circular braiding machines with counter-rotating rows of bobbins and guides that are fixed relative to these rows of bobbins, i.e., do not participate in the machine's rotation, and that guide the threads of the outer bobbins alternately over and under the inner bobbins. Such guides are already known in a wide variety of designs, for example, in the form of fixed wire brackets or discs or the like. According to the disclosure of DE 489 303 C, these control discs are adjustable in height to allow for changes in the pattern if necessary.

[0007] DE 102 31 302 A1 relates to a passage lock for a permanent and running thread clamped on both sides, which is moved transversely to a frame by means of the clamping points and penetrates the frame transversely to its longitudinal extent on its way, wherein the frame is divided in the region of the penetration point and the two frame parts are connected to each other via the passage lock, while the passage lock - seen from the thread - is movable in front of the thread in the opening direction and behind the thread in the closing direction.

[0008] EP 0 341 677 A2 relates to a braiding machine with two counter-rotating bobbin pulleys, wherein the first bobbins are attached to their respective bobbin pulleys, while the second bobbin pulleys are merely driven by their respective bobbin pulleys. The connection is established via plates and bearing supports, which are additionally supported by a carrier device. To guide the braiding threads of the first bobbins past the second bobbins, the plate and the carrier device each have a slot that moves in the direction of movement upon arrival of a braiding thread, thus allowing the braiding thread to pass beneath the respective second bobbin.

[0009] DE 10 2017 204 860 A1 relates to a method for producing a braid extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein several individual strands are interwoven. For this purpose, first and second spools, on which the individual strands are wound, are moved relative to one another, wherein the first spools with first individual strands are guided along a path circumferentially around the longitudinal axis, so that the first individual strands are laid helically around the longitudinal axis, at least in sections. The second spools with second individual strands are arranged at fixed angular positions with respect to the circumferential direction, so that the second individual strands are introduced into the braid parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0010] There is therefore a need for an improved rotary braiding machine and associated method. In particular, there is a need for a rotary braiding machine and associated method that enable the production of braids with more stable properties under mechanical stress and / or different crossing patterns.

[0011] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a rotary braiding machine according to claim 1. The rotary braiding machine has a plurality of first braiding material carriers, a plurality of second braiding material carriers, a moving unit, a drive, and a controller. The plurality of first braiding material carriers are arranged around a common braiding center of the rotary braiding machine. The plurality of first braiding material carriers are each designed to carry a braiding material to be braided in the common braiding center. The plurality of second braiding material carriers are arranged around the common braiding center of the rotary braiding machine. The plurality of second braiding material carriers are each designed to carry a braiding material to be braided in the common braiding center. The moving unit is arranged and designed to move laying elements assigned to the first braiding material carriers between a first position and a second position.In the first position, each of the laying elements is capable of lifting the braiding material in such a way that at least one of the plurality of second braiding material carriers can move beneath the raised braiding material. In the second position, each of the laying elements is capable of lowering the braiding material in such a way that at least one of the plurality of second braiding material carriers can move over the lowered braiding material. The drive is designed to drive the plurality of first braiding material carriers in such a way that they rotate in a first direction of rotation about the common braiding center. The drive is designed to drive the plurality of second braiding material carriers in such a way that they rotate in a second direction of rotation different from the first direction of rotation about the common braiding center. The controller is designed to control the movement unit in such a way that the movement of at least one of the laying elements is adaptable.For example, the controller can be configured to control the movement unit such that the movement of each of the laying elements is adjustable. The controller can, for example, be configured to control the movement unit such that the movement of at least one of the laying elements is adjusted by the control. For example, the controller can be configured to control the movement unit such that the movement of each of the laying elements is adjusted by the control. The adjustment of the movement of the laying elements can take place, in particular, during a braiding process, i.e., while the rotary braiding machine is in operation.

[0012] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a rotary braiding machine according to claim 14. The rotary braiding machine has a plurality of first braiding material carriers, a plurality of second braiding material carriers, a moving unit, a drive, and a controller. The plurality of first braiding material carriers are arranged around a common braiding center of the rotary braiding machine. The plurality of first braiding material carriers are each designed to carry a braiding material to be braided in the common braiding center. The plurality of second braiding material carriers are arranged around the common braiding center of the rotary braiding machine. The plurality of second braiding material carriers are each designed to carry a braiding material to be braided in the common braiding center. The moving unit is arranged and designed to move the laying elements assigned to the first braiding material carriers between a first position and a second position.In the first position, each of the laying elements is capable of raising the braiding material in such a way that at least one of the plurality of second braiding material supports can move beneath the raised braiding material. In the second position, each of the laying elements is capable of lowering the braiding material in such a way that at least one of the plurality of second braiding material supports can move over the lowered braiding material. The method comprises driving the plurality of first braiding material supports in such a way that the plurality of first braiding material supports rotate in the first direction of rotation about the common braiding center. The method further comprises driving the plurality of second braiding material supports in such a way that the plurality of second braiding material supports rotate about the common braiding center in a second direction of rotation different from the first direction of rotation.The method further comprises controlling the movement unit in such a way that the movement of at least one of the laying elements is adaptable. For example, the method may comprise controlling the movement unit in such a way that the movement of each of the laying elements is adaptable. For example, the method may comprise controlling the movement unit in such a way that the movement of at least one of the laying elements is adapted by the control. For example, the method may comprise controlling the movement unit in such a way that the movement of each of the laying elements is adapted by the control.

[0013] For the sake of clarity, the present invention will be described below with primary focus on the rotary braiding machine according to the first aspect, wherein the following discussions apply accordingly to the method of operating the rotary braiding machine according to the second aspect.

[0014] The braiding center can also be referred to as a braiding point. The plurality of first and / or second braiding material carriers can be driven such that they rotate around the common braiding point. The first and / or second braiding material carriers can each carry braiding material to be braided. The first and / or second braiding material carriers can each be designed as spool carriers and each carry the braiding material to be braided on spools.

[0015] By alternately / oscillatingly raising and lowering the braided material with the aid of the laying elements assigned to the first braiding material supports, the braided material can be braided into a braid in the braiding center by moving at least one of the plurality of second braiding material supports under the raised braiding material and / or by moving at least one of the plurality of second braiding material supports over the lowered braiding material. The laying elements can be raised and lowered by means of the moving unit. It can be said here that one pass of a laying element is completed when the moving unit has moved the laying element from the first position to the second position and then back to the first position. The speed and / or frequency of the movement or pass of the laying elements influences the intersection points of the braided material and consequently the design / binding pattern of the braid.

[0016] The movement unit comprises a cam ring that rotates around the common braiding center at a cam ring speed, or is designed as a cam ring that rotates around the common braiding center at a cam ring speed. The movement of the laying elements can be adjusted by rotating the cam ring. For example, the movement of the laying elements can be adjusted by changing the speed of the cam ring movement.

[0017] The controller can be designed to control the moving unit by causing the drive to drive the rotatable cam ring such that the rotatable cam ring rotates in the first direction of rotation at a cam ring speed around the common braiding center (rotation center). The controller can be designed to cause the drive to drive the plurality of first braiding material carriers such that they rotate in the first direction of rotation at a first speed that takes the cam ring speed into account around the common braiding center. The controller can be designed to cause the drive to drive the plurality of second braiding material carriers such that they rotate in a second direction of rotation different from the first direction of rotation at a second speed that takes the cam ring speed into account around the common braiding center.

[0018] A curved track can be arranged in the curved ring. The laying elements can be raised and lowered according to the course of the curved track. The movement of the laying elements can be adjusted, for example, by changing the curved track of the curved ring. If the curved track remains unchanged during a braiding process, the movement of the laying elements can be adjusted by changing the rotation of the curved ring.

[0019] The first speed, which takes the cam ring speed into account, can be understood as meaning that the first speed is adjusted to the cam ring speed. For example, the first speed, which takes the cam ring speed into account, can be understood as meaning that the first speed is adjusted to the curved path in the cam ring such that the laying elements can perform their respective predetermined oscillating raising and lowering of the braided material during / despite rotation of the cam ring. The second speed, which takes the cam ring speed into account, can be understood as meaning that the second speed is adjusted to the cam ring speed.For example, the second speed taking into account the cam ring speed can be understood to mean that the second speed is matched to the cam track in the cam ring in such a way that the laying elements can carry out their respective predetermined oscillating lifting and lowering of the braiding material during / despite rotation of the cam ring.

[0020] In normal operation, the cam ring speed is, in particular, greater than 0. The cam ring speed can be less than or equal to the first speed. The cam ring speed can be less than or equal to the second speed in absolute terms. In normal operation, the cam ring speed is (significantly) less than the first speed. In normal operation, the cam ring speed is (significantly) less than the second speed in absolute terms.

[0021] The drive can comprise a cam ring drive. The cam ring drive can be configured to drive the cam ring in such a way that the cam ring rotates around the common braiding center in the first direction of rotation at the cam ring speed. The cam ring drive can be configured as an electric drive.

[0022] The rotary braiding machine can also have a rotating ring. The rotating ring's axis of rotation can correspond to the braiding center / braiding point. The cam ring can be mounted on the rotating ring. A rotation of the rotating ring at a certain speed can cause a rotation of the cam ring at, for example, the same speed.

[0023] The rotary braiding machine can further comprise a gear unit connected to the cam ring drive and the slewing ring. The gear unit can be configured to transfer the power provided by the cam ring drive to the slewing ring. The gear unit can be configured as a belt drive or a gear drive. For example, the gear unit can mesh with the slewing ring or engage with the slewing ring. The gear unit can be moved by the cam ring drive and, through its own movement, cause the slewing ring to rotate.

[0024] According to an example of a rotary braiding machine not according to the invention, the moving unit can be designed as at least one laying element drive or can have at least one laying element drive.

[0025] The movement of one or more of the laying elements can be adjusted by the at least one laying element drive. For example, the speed of the movement of one or more of the laying elements can be adjusted. The controller can be configured to control the movement unit by causing the at least one laying element drive to adjust the movement of the at least one, for example, all, laying elements.

[0026] According to a first possible embodiment of the non-inventive example, the at least one laying element drive, for example configured as a single laying element drive, can jointly adjust the movement of each of the laying elements. According to a second possible embodiment of the exemplary embodiment, the at least one laying element drive can, for example, be configured as multiple laying element drives, each associated with one of the laying elements. Each of the laying element drives can adjust the movement of its associated laying element accordingly. For example, the at least one laying element drive can comprise one or more servomotors or electromagnetic drives or be configured as such.Each of the actuators or electromagnetic drives may be associated with an associated laying element and may adjust the movement of the associated laying element based on a control signal or control command received from the controller.

[0027] By adjusting the movement of at least one of the laying elements, the crossing points of the braided material and consequently the design / binding pattern of the braid can be influenced.

[0028] The first braiding material carriers can be designed as so-called outer braiding material carriers of the rotary braiding machine. The second braiding material carriers can be designed as so-called inner braiding material carriers of the rotary braiding machine.

[0029] The drive may have a first drive. The first drive may be configured to drive an outer rotor. The outer rotor may be configured to support the first braiding material carriers and to rotate them in the first direction of rotation around the common braiding center.

[0030] According to a first possible implementation, the rotary braiding machine can have a differential gear connected downstream of the first drive. The differential gear can be configured to drive an inner rotor. The inner rotor can be configured to support the second braiding material carriers and rotate them in the second direction of rotation around the common braiding center.

[0031] According to a second possible implementation, the drive can have a second drive. The second drive can be configured to drive an inner rotor. The inner rotor can be configured to support the second braiding material carriers and to rotate them in the second direction of rotation around the common braiding center.

[0032] The first and / or second braiding material supports can run in a circle around the common braiding center, i.e. can be arranged along a circumference around the common braiding center. The first braiding material supports can be arranged at a constant distance from one another in the circumferential direction around the common braiding center. The second braiding material supports can be arranged at a constant distance from one another in the circumferential direction around the common braiding center. The first and / or second braiding material supports can be spools onto which the braiding material can be wound, for example. The first braiding material supports can be arranged at an equal, first distance from the braiding center in the radial direction. The second braiding material supports can be arranged at an equal, second distance from the braiding center in the radial direction. The first and second distances can be the same or different.The first distance can be greater than the second distance. The radial distance of the first and / or second braiding material carriers from the braiding center can be constant / unchangeable or changeable. The first and / or second braiding material carriers can be provided with an equal or at least partially different amount of braiding material. In the braiding center, the braiding material provided by the first and / or second braiding material carriers is interwoven. The braiding center can also be referred to as the braiding axis of the braiding machine. The braiding center can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the braiding machine or correspond to it.

[0033] The braided material can be any conceivable strand-like or elongated material suitable for braiding. Using a rotary braiding machine, various braids can be produced from strand-like materials such as wires or textile fibers, for example, in the form of tubular braids or stranded braids and / or for braiding a cable with a wire braid. The rotary braiding machine can, for example, be a wire braiding machine specifically designed for braiding wires.

[0034] A braiding process can be understood as a complete process for manufacturing a braided product. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a braiding process can be understood as a process that lasts from the start of the rotary braiding machine until the moment it is stopped. For example, the rotary braiding machine is stopped when one or more of the braiding material carriers run out of material and are replaced by a full carrier, i.e., one completely filled with braiding material.

[0035] A control device can be provided as a controller to control the drive. The control device can be designed to control the respective drive and to specify and / or adjust the respective speed. The respective drive can receive corresponding control instructions from the control device for this purpose. The respective drive can drive the braiding material carriers accordingly based on the control instructions.

[0036] Even if reference is made herein to the rotational speed instead of the angular speed or path speed, these statements also apply accordingly to the angular speed or path speed. The control device can be designed to adjust the respective rotational speed several times / repeatedly during a braiding process.

[0037] The described method can be carried out in whole or in part with the aid of a computer program. For example, a computer program product with program code sections for carrying out the method can be provided. The computer program can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium or in the braiding machine. If the program code sections of the computer program are loaded into a computer, or processor (for example, a microprocessor, microcontroller, or digital signal processor (DSP)), or run on a computer, or processor, they can cause the computer or processor to carry out one or more steps or all steps of the method described herein.

[0038] Although some of the aspects and details described above have been described with respect to the braiding machine, these aspects can also be implemented in a corresponding manner in the method for operating the braiding machine or a computer program supporting or implementing the method.

[0039] The present invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying figures. These figures schematically show: Figure 1a two representations of an example of a rotary braiding machine not according to the invention; Figure 1b an explanation of the functional principle of the rotary braiding machine from Figure 1a and an example of a rotary braiding machine made from Figure 1a manufactured braid; Figure 2a two representations of a rotary braiding machine according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2b an explanation of the functional principle of the rotary braiding machine from Figure 2aand an example of a rotary braiding machine made from Figure 2a manufactured mesh.

[0040] In the following, specific details are set forth, without being limited thereto, in order to provide a complete understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be used in other embodiments within the scope of the claims, which may differ from the details set forth below. For example, the figures are primarily described with reference to an embodiment in which a cam ring is used as the unit for moving the laying elements. An example not according to the invention is possible in which the laying elements are moved via one or more drives.

[0041] It will also be clear to those skilled in the art that the explanations set out below may be implemented using hardware circuits, software means, or a combination thereof. The software means may be associated with programmed microprocessors or a general calculator, computer, ASCI (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and / or DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). It is also clear that, although the following details are described with reference to a method, these details may also be implemented in a suitable device unit, a computer processor, or a memory connected to a processor, the memory being provided with one or more programs that perform the method when executed by the processor.

[0042] Figure 1ashows a schematic representation of a non-inventive example of a rotary braiding machine 1. The rotary braiding machine 1 has two groups of braiding material carriers, which are referred to below as bobbin carriers 2a, 2b. In the rotary braiding technique, and the special form of the lever arm braiding technique, as exemplified in Figure 1aAs shown, two groups of spool carriers 2a, 2b, on which the braided material, which is exemplified below as wire, is stored on spools, each move in a circular path in opposite directions around a braiding center. The rotary braiding machine 1 is also sometimes referred to below as a lever-arm braiding machine or lever braiding machine 1. Special lever-arm braiding machines, so-called high-speed braiding machines according to the Horn system, currently achieve the highest processing speeds. At the same time, because no yarn length compensation is required, they enable the most precise control of the thread tension and thus excellent quality of the braided material.

[0043] The two tracks on which the coil carriers 2a, 2b move are arranged in such a way that the wire is drawn from the upper coil carriers 2b and thus the upper coils of one direction of rotation directly to the braiding point. This track is referred to as the inner coil track and performs a simple rotary movement. The upper coil carriers 2b are therefore often also referred to as the inner coil carriers 2b. The wire from the lower coil carriers 2a and thus the lower coils is drawn with the help of a respective laying element, which, due to the exemplary design of the rotary braiding machine in Figure 1aas a lever-arm braiding machine, designed as a traversing lever 3, is now guided alternately above and below the spool carrier(s) 2b approaching on the inner track. The lower spool carriers are often referred to as outer spool carriers 2a. The corresponding track of the outer spool carriers 2a is accordingly often referred to as the outer track. In order for the traversing levers 3 to be able to perform such an oscillating up and down movement, they are moved, for example, with the help of sliding T-nuts, which slide in a curved track that is fixed in space. This curved track is located on the inside of a curved ring 4. The central axis 5 of the rotary braiding machine 1 is also fixed in space. In the example shown, these two components are firmly connected to one another for the sake of ease of explanation. The curved ring 4 serves to move the traversing levers 3.The movement takes place during a braiding process and, with the rotary braiding machine 1, invariably according to the design of the cam track in the cam ring 4. This means that if the movement of the laying lever 3 is to be adjusted, the cam ring 4 must be replaced by a cam ring with a differently designed cam track.

[0044] A drive motor 6 of the rotary braiding machine 1 transmits a rotary motion to the shafts located in the central axis / bearing 5 via a parallel belt drive in order to set the outer and inner rotors located at the other end, including the outer coil track and thus the outer coil carriers 2a and the inner coil track and thus the inner coil carriers 2b, in rotation. These two belt drives serve to adjust the speed so that on the output side, both coil tracks and thus both the coil carriers 2a and 2b have the same speed. This can alternatively be achieved using just one belt and a downstream gear drive. This rotary motion is transmitted from the outer rotor (with speed n A ) to the inner coil track (with speed n I ) in the opposite direction of rotation via planetary gears. Both tracks therefore have the same speed (|n A | = |n I |).On a take-off wheel 8, which is driven by an electric motor, the product to be braided is guided through the lever arm fencing machine at a speed of , by means of multiple wraps. v A deducted.

[0045] More specifically, in the case of a lever-arm braiding machine 1 as a specific example of the rotary braiding machine 1, as described, two rotors are mounted on the central axis 5: the inner rotor and the outer rotor. Both are rotated in the same direction by a drive motor / drive 6, but at different and coordinated speeds / rpm. For this purpose, gears of different sizes can be used for the drive. By means of a differential gear, which can comprise a small gear, the inner rotor, and the inner spool carriers 2b, the spool carriers 2b of the inner ring rotate in the opposite direction to the outer ring / outer spool carriers 2a at the same speed. The outer rotor carries the outer spools 2a. Each outer spool 2a is assigned a traversing lever 3, which is rotatably mounted on the outer rotor.At the same time, this rotor (the outer rotor) represents the slideway for the spool carriers 2b of the inner spool ring. The outer rotor also contains, for example, slideway recesses into which the wires of the outer spools can be lowered. Each of the traversing levers 3 engages, for example, with a sliding element in the guide groove of the cam ring 4. In known lever-arm braiding machines, the cam ring / grooved cam ring 4 is fixed. The grooved cam ring 4 controls the traversing levers 3. The traversing levers 3 for the outer wire are each shaped such that the lever tip can move on an imaginary spherical surface spanned around the braiding point. The wires guided via the lever 3 thus always have to travel the same distance to the braiding point, so that no yarn length compensation is required in the lever-arm braiding machine 1.The rotation of the outer rotor pushes the corresponding sliding element of each laying lever 3 through the guide groove of the cam ring 4, thereby moving it up and down. The course of the groove determines how often the lever 3 can change its position during one revolution. This sets the binding pattern of the braid 10 (see ). Figure 1b). Since the respective traversing lever 3 and the slideway with the notches are both fixed to the outer rotor, no positioning problems arise and the wire is always lowered exactly into the respective notch. In order for the spool carriers 2b of the inner spool ring to move in opposite directions around the machine center, they are pushed in the opposite direction, for example via gears mounted on the outer rotor. These gears are driven, for example, by ring gears on the inner rotor, which rotates twice as fast as the outer rotor, so that the spools circle around the braiding center at the same speed, counter to the rotational movement of the slideway. This design principle creates a relative speed between the spool carriage and the slideway that is twice as high as the speed of the slideway itself.

[0046] Since in a conventional high-speed braider 1 the braid runs along the product axis, the speeds are related to each other as follows: n A = − n I 0 = n A + n I

[0047] The braid pitch s G of this braider is calculated as follows: s G = v A / n A

[0048] In relation to Figure 1a In the structure described, the interlacing of the oncoming wires takes place at the point where a deflection is introduced in the curved path, which is fixed in space (see Figure 1b ). In Figure 1b For the sake of simplicity, the curve progression with only one wire interlacing (crossing) of a braid 10 is explained as an example.

[0049] In Figure 1b schematically shows a braid 10 which is made with the help of the rotary braiding machine 1 from Figure 1acan be produced. The braid 10 can, for example, be a cable shield, more precisely a braid shield for a cable. The braid 10 has a first wire winding 20, which extends spirally in a first direction of rotation with a first pitch in the direction of a longitudinal axis 10a of the braid 10. In other words, viewed from the lower end of the braid 10, i.e. in the direction of the arrow of the longitudinal axis 10a of the braid 10 and the rotary braiding machine 1, the first wire winding 20 screws upwards counterclockwise with a first pitch. The braid 10 has a second wire winding 30, which extends spirally in a second direction of rotation with a second pitch in the direction of the longitudinal axis 10a of the braid 10. In other words, viewed from the lower end of the braid 10, i.e.In the direction of the arrow on the longitudinal axis 10a, the second wire winding 30 screws upwards clockwise at a second pitch. In the example from . Figure 1b the first slope corresponds to the second slope.

[0050] As in Figure 1b As can be seen, one turn of the first wire winding 20 and one turn of the second wire winding 30 overlap at one point. This point is referred to as the crossing point or overlap point. In the example from Figure 1b The two wire windings 20, 30 are intertwined at the intersection point. Since each of the wire windings 20, 30 has several turns in the direction of the longitudinal axis 10a, even with one intersection point per turn, several such intersection points exist in the direction of the longitudinal axis 10a. In the example from Figure 1bIt can be seen that these intersections lie on a straight line 50 that runs parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis 10a. The two wire windings 20, 30 form two layers, so to speak, due to the interweaving and can therefore also be referred to as a two-layer wire winding and, due to the parallelism of the intersections to the longitudinal axis 10a, as a two-layer wire winding with axial intersection.

[0051] The wires / wire windings 20, 30 of the braid 10 made of Figure 1b experience a relative movement with accompanying friction to each other when subjected to movement. Furthermore, these wires / wire windings 20, 30 experience tensile and shear loads. This results in a limited service life of the wires / wire windings 20, 30 and thus of the braid 10. Although the braid 10 consists of Figure 1bWith the oppositely oriented wire winding shown, the braid 10 has a relatively long mechanical lifespan and a longer mechanical lifespan than conventional braids, for example, made of wires with the same orientation. However, the braid 10 can shift, or more precisely, the wires of the braid 10 can shift, forming nests and holes, for example. This has a negative impact on the electrical properties of the braid 10.

[0052] Figure 2a shows a rotary braiding machine 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The rotary braiding machine 100 is designed, for example, as a lever braiding machine / lever arm braiding machine. Other designs are conceivable with appropriate adaptations. The lever braiding machine 100 of Figure 2a is based on the in relation to Figure 1adescribed lever braiding machine 1, so that the similarities between these two braiding machines 1, 100 are not highlighted separately. The details relating to the lever braiding machine 1 from Figure 1a The details described also apply to the lever braiding machine 100 from Figure 2a . The main difference between the two lever arm braiding machines 1, 100 from Figure 1a and 2a It can be said that the cam ring 4 of the lever arm braiding machine 1 is made of Figure 1a is fixed, while the cam ring 400 of the lever arm braiding machine 100 consists of Figure 2a is not stationary, but more precisely, rotates. As explained in more detail later, the movement of the cam ring 400 can be adjusted by moving the cam ring 400.

[0053] In the rotary braiding machine 100, the coil carriers 200a, 200b rotate evenly around the braiding center. This rotary braiding technique allows high production speeds and is therefore also called high-speed braiding. In this rotary braiding technique, two groups of coil carriers 200a, 200b move, on which the braided material, as in the example from Figure 2aWire, is stored, each on a circular path in opposite directions around the braiding center. The two paths are arranged so that the braiding material, e.g. the wire, is drawn from the spool carriers 200b of one direction of rotation directly to the braiding point. This path is referred to below as the "inner" path, and the corresponding spool carriers as the inner spool carriers 200b. The braiding material coming from the spools of the other path - referred to here as the "outer" path - more precisely, the outer spool carriers 200a of the outer path, must now be guided alternately above and below the spools approaching on the inner path, or vice versa, in order to complete the braiding.

[0054] The lever braiding machine 100 has a drive 600. The drive 600 imparts its rotary motion to the outer rotor. The cam ring 400 is, in contrast to the spatially fixed position of the cam ring 4 made of Figure 1a, mounted on a slewing ring 800. The rotational axis of the slewing ring 800 corresponds to the axis of the braiding center. By means of an electric drive 900, the slewing ring 800 and thus the cam ring 400 undergo a rotational movement at the speed n K . Figure 2a The cam ring 400 is driven by a gear drive. The gear drive is connected on its input side to the electric drive 900 and is driven by the electric drive 900. On its output side, the gear drive is connected (directly) to the slewing ring 800 and thus (indirectly) to the cam ring 700, i.e., the slewing ring 800 and the cam ring 400 move / rotate through the movement / rotation of the gear drive. As an alternative to the gear drive, the cam ring 400 can undergo a rotational movement at a speed n K via a belt drive with the aid of the electric drive 900.

[0055] During the braiding process, the speed n K of the cam ring 400 is the specified speed. In order for the laying levers 300 of the outer coil carriers 200a to be raised and lowered in an oscillating manner via the cam track of the cam ring 400, the speed of the outer rotor and thus the speed of the outer coil carriers 200a must be matched to the cam ring 400. Therefore, for a functioning process for creating the braid 1000 itself (see Figure 2b ), as the actual speed n Anew of the outer rotor, the speed n K to the speed n A of the outer rotor Figure 1a The speed n K of the cam ring is, so to speak, positively taken into account in the actual speed n Anew of the outer rotor and thus of the outer coil carrier 200a. This results in the new speed n Anew of the outer rotor from Figure 2a : n Aneu = n A + n K

[0056] By rotating the cam ring 400, the speed of the inner rotor is also adjusted in such a way that the speed n K of the cam ring 400 is taken into account for the speed of the inner rotor. For the speed n Ineu of the inner rotor and thus the speed of the inner coil carrier 200b, the speed n K of the cam ring 400 is taken into account negatively. The inner rotor made of Figure 2a is therefore, in comparison to the inner rotor made of Figure 1a , also operated at a changed speed n Ineu.

[0057] To drive the inner rotor with the opposite Figure 1a adjusted speed, the lever arm braiding machine can be Figure 2a , as exemplified in Figure 2a shown, have an additional drive 700. The additional drive 700 applies the speed n Ineu to the inner rotor via a belt. This is calculated as follows: n Ineu = − n A + n K n Ineu = − n Aneu + 2 * n K

[0058] Instead of the drive 700, the speed n Ineu can also be realized by connecting a differential gear to the drive 600. This rotary movement changes the location of the curved path deflection and the resulting interlacing of the wires radially (see Figure 2b ). More specifically, as rotation progresses, the relative position of the wires of the outer coils / coil supports 200a and the wires of the inner coils / coil supports 200b changes relative to each other, so that the respective intersection point changes as rotation progresses. By adjusting the rotational movement(s), the movement of the traversing levers 300 can be adjusted, thus changing the interlacing of the wires. In this way, flexible tying patterns can be achieved.

[0059] While the rotary braiding machine consists of Figure 1a and 1bthe speeds n A , n I of the outer coil carriers 2a and inner coil carriers 2b match in terms of amount, the speeds n Aneu , n Ineu of the outer coil carriers 200a and the inner coil carriers 200b match in the braiding machine 100 Figure 2a and 2b do not agree in magnitude if n K is not equal to 0.

[0060] The newly introduced rotary motion of the cam ring with its speed n K together with the take-off speed v A of the take-off wheel forms the spiral pitch sw s W = v A / n K

[0061] To create the mesh 1000 with a rotating cam ring 400, the following calculation is used: s G = v A / n A + n K s G = v A / n Aneu

[0062] In relation to Figure 2bThe production of the braid 1000 is described in more detail. The dashed laying path shows that the wire coming from the outer spools / spool carriers 200a changes from the lower to the upper position several times as it circles the braiding machine center, so that the inner spools / spool carriers 200b can pass below or above. The change of position does not have to occur after each pass of a spool / spool carrier in the other running direction. Several can also be passed one after the other. In this way, the weave type of the braid can be influenced. The thread is controlled using a so-called laying unit, the design of which varies depending on the construction principle of the machine. In the simplest case, these are relatively rigid guide plates called deflectors. In other cases, the wire is actively moved via mechanical laying.This principle is exemplified in . Figure 2a and 2b The lever arm braiding machine 100 shown is used.

[0063] The lever arm braiding machine 100 made of Figure 2a and 2b The outer wires are guided over deflection levers / laying levers 300, which perform periodic up-and-down movements while orbiting the center. Whenever the lever 300, with the outer wire guided above it, is at its highest point, an inner coil carrier 200b circling in the opposite direction can slide beneath the wire. The lever 300 then moves to its lower position, and the wire is lowered, for example, into a notch in the inner guideway before the subsequent inner coil carrier 200b arrives there, allowing it to slide over it. This is how the braid 1000 is formed.

[0064] Figure 2bshows schematically a braid 1000, for example a braid shield for a cable, which is produced with the lever arm braiding machine 100 from Figure 1a The 1000 braid has improved properties compared to the braid made of Figure 1b. The braid 1000 has a first wire winding 2000 which extends spirally in a first direction of rotation with a first pitch in the direction of a longitudinal axis 1000a of the braid 1000. In other words, viewed from the lower end of the braid 1000, i.e., in the direction of the arrow of the longitudinal axis 1000a, the first wire winding 2000 screws upwards in a counterclockwise direction with a first pitch. The braid 1000 has a second wire winding 3000 which extends spirally in a second direction of rotation with a second pitch in the direction of the longitudinal axis 1000a of the braid 1000. In other words, viewed from the lower end of the braid 1000, i.e., in the direction of the arrow of the longitudinal axis 1000a, the second wire winding 3000 screws upwards in a clockwise direction with a second pitch. In the example from Figure 2bthe first pitch corresponds to the second pitch, ie each individual complete turn of the wire windings 2000, 3000 travels the same distance W in the direction of the longitudinal axis 1000a. One turn describes one complete revolution of a wire of the respective wire winding 2000, 3000.

[0065] As in Figure 2b As can be seen, one turn of the first wire winding 2000 and one turn of the second wire winding 3000 overlap at one point. This point is called the crossing point or overlap point. In the example from Figure 2b The two wire windings 2000, 3000 are also intertwined at the intersection point. Since each of the wire windings 2000, 3000 has several turns in the direction of the longitudinal axis 1000a, even with one intersection point per turn, several such intersection points exist in the direction of the longitudinal axis 1000a. In the example from Figure 2bIt can be seen that these intersections run in the form of a helix 5000 or spiral, i.e., they do not form a straight line parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis 1000a. The two wire windings 2000, 3000 form two layers due to the interweaving and can therefore also be referred to as a two-layer wire covering and, due to the helical shape 5000 of the intersections, as a two-layer wire covering with a helical intersection.

[0066] In Figure 2bFor the sake of simplicity and clarity, only one crossing point is shown per turn, more precisely per turn of the wire winding 2000 and corresponding turn of the wire winding 3000. However, a turn of the wire winding 2000 and a corresponding turn of the wire winding 3000 can cross at more than one point, i.e. at several points, i.e. they can each have several crossing points at which they are intertwined. For example, the wire winding 2000 and the wire winding 3000 are each intertwined at one or more of their turns, e.g. at each of their turns, not just once but twice or possibly several times, and accordingly have a first crossing point, a second crossing point and possibly further crossing points per turn. In this case, there are a plurality of first crossing points, a plurality of second crossing points and possibly a plurality of further crossing points in the direction of the longitudinal axis 1000a.The plurality of first crossing points can be described by a first helix / spiral 5000 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 1000a. The plurality of second crossing points can be described by a second helix / spiral in the direction of the longitudinal axis 1000a, which runs parallel to the first helix / spiral 5000. The plurality of further crossing points can be described by a further helix / spiral in the direction of the longitudinal axis 1000a, which runs parallel to the first helix / spiral 5000 and the second helix / spiral.

[0067] This in relation to Figure 2b The braid 1000 described with helical overlaps is more stable against drag, torsional and bending movements than the one with respect to Figure 1bThe braid 10 described above has axial overlap points. The braid 1000 can provide a shield as a combination of wire braiding and braiding, which, per winding pair, is interwoven with itself at only one circumferential point or at several circumferential points. The interwoven point(s) run helically along the longitudinal axis 1000a, such as the product axis, of the braid 1000. This increases the service life of the braid 1000, such as the shielding of cables, under mechanical stress in two or three dimensions. This also results in better electrical properties (i.e., better electrical performance) over the service life (e.g., with regard to EMC, leakage currents, etc.).

[0068] By stopping drive 900 together with corresponding control of drives 600 and 700, braiding operation without helix production can be possible. For example, by stopping drive 900, cam ring 400 can assume a fixed / non-rotating position. By corresponding control of drives 600, 700, the speed of the outer rotor and the inner rotor can be adjusted, for example, such that they correspond to the speeds of the outer rotor and inner rotor. Figure 1a In this case, the result is a mesh as shown in Figure 1b is shown. Other braids with differently positioned crossing points are conceivable. In any case, by adjusting the rotational speeds n K , n I , n A , a flexible braid can be produced, especially a braid with a variable crossing pattern.

[0069] Alternatively to the one relating to Figure 2aIn addition to the rotary braiding machine 100 described above, the braid 1000 can also be produced using a rotary braiding machine not according to the invention, in which the cam ring 400 is omitted and instead the movement of the traversing levers 300 is adjusted. According to the invention, a combination of adjusting the movement of the traversing levers 300 and a rotatable cam ring 400 is conceivable. As an example, it should be mentioned at this point that each of the traversing levers 300 can be connected to a drive, e.g. a servomotor or electromagnetic drive. Each of the drives can control its associated traversing lever 300 according to control commands received from a controller. The drives of the traversing levers 300 can, for example, each be arranged on its associated traversing lever 300 or be connected to it.

[0070] For example, it is conceivable that the drives are controlled in such a way that the laying levers 300 execute a completely continuous movement. In this case, the rotary braiding machine 1000 can produce a braid 10 from Figure 1b Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the drives are controlled in such a way that the laying levers 300 do not perform a completely continuous movement. For example, one or each of the laying levers 300 can be briefly stopped / held after a complete run from the first position to the second position and back to the first position, before the drive or drives start / start another complete run of the laying levers 300. By briefly holding the drive, the next crossing of the braided material can be delayed, so that the crossing points, as in the braid of Figure 2b, shift. In this way, a helical course of the crossing points, as in Figure 2b , can be achieved.

[0071] The drives can be controlled completely flexibly, allowing different braiding / binding patterns of a braid to be achieved. The drives can also be controlled at least partially in different ways, allowing the various laying levers 300 to execute at least partially different movement sequences.

Claims

1. A rotational braiding machine (100) comprising: - a plurality of first braiding material carriers (200a), which are arranged around a common braiding center of the rotational braiding machine (100) and are each designed to carry a braiding material to be braided in the common braiding center; - a plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b), which are arranged around the common braiding center of the rotational braiding machine (100) and are each designed to carry a braiding material to be braided in the common braiding center; - a movement unit, which is arranged and configured to move relocating elements (300) associated respectively with the first braiding material carriers between a first position and a second position in each case, wherein each of the relocating elements (300) is able to raise the braiding material in the first position such that at least one of the plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b) can pass under the raised braiding material, and wherein each of the relocating elements (300) is able to lower the braiding material in the second position such that at least one of the plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b) can pass over the lowered braiding material; - a drive, which is configured to: drive the plurality of first braiding material carriers (200a) such that they rotate in a first rotation direction about the common braiding center, and drive the plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b) such that they rotate in a second rotation direction different from the first rotation direction about the common braiding center; - a controller, which is configured to: control the movement unit such that the movement of at least one of the relocating elements (300) is adjustable; characterized in that the movement unit includes a rotatable cam ring (400) being rotatable about the common braiding center at a cam ring rotational speed or is configured as a rotatable cam ring (400) being rotatable about the common braiding center at a cam ring rotational speed.

2. The rotational braiding machine (100) according to Claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the movement unit in that the controller causes the drive to drive the rotatable cam ring (400) such that the rotatable cam ring (400) rotates in the first rotation direction about the common braiding center at the cam ring rotational speed; cause the drive to drive the plurality of first braiding material carriers (200a) such that they rotate in the first rotation direction about the common braiding center at a first rotational speed taking account of the cam ring rotational speed, and cause the drive to drive the plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b) such that they rotate in a second rotation direction different from the first rotation direction about the common braiding center at a second rotational speed taking account of the cam ring rotational speed.

3. The rotational braiding machine (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the drive includes a cam ring drive (900), which is configured to drive the cam ring (400) such that the cam ring (400) rotates in the first rotation direction about the common braiding center at the cam ring rotational speed.

4. The rotational braiding machine (100) according to Claim 3, wherein the cam ring drive is configured as an electric drive.

5. The rotational braiding machine (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the rotational braiding machine (100) further includes a slewing ring (800), the axis of rotation of which corresponds to the braiding center, wherein the cam ring (400) is supported on the slewing ring (800).

6. The rotational braiding machine (100) according to Claim 5, wherein the rotational braiding machine (100) further includes a gear connected to the cam ring drive (900) and to the slewing ring (800), wherein the gear is configured to transmit the energy supplied by the cam ring drive to the slewing ring.

7. The rotational braiding machine (100) according to Claim 6, wherein the gear is formed as a belt drive or gear drive.

8. The rotational braiding machine (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the movement unit is configured as at least one relocating element drive or includes at least one relocating element drive.

9. The rotational braiding machine (100) according to Claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to control the movement unit in that the controller causes the at least one relocating element drive to adjust the movement of the at least one relocating element (300).

10. The rotational braiding machine (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the first braiding material carriers (200a) are configured as outer braiding material carriers of the rotational braiding machine (100) and the second braiding material carriers (200b) are configured as inner braiding material carriers of the rotational braiding machine (100).

11. The rotational braiding machine (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the drive includes a first drive (600), which is configured to drive an outer rotor, wherein the outer rotor is configured to carry the first braiding material carriers (200a) and to rotate them in the first rotation direction about the common braiding center.

12. The rotational braiding machine (100) according to Claim 11, wherein the rotational braiding machine (100) includes a differential gear downstream from the first drive (600), which gear is configured to drive an inner rotor, wherein the inner rotor is configured to carry the second braiding material carriers (200b) and to rotate them in the second rotation direction about the common braiding center.

13. The rotational braiding machine (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the drive includes a second drive (700), which is configured to drive an inner rotor, wherein the inner rotor is configured to carry the second braiding material carriers (200b) and to rotate them in the second rotation direction about the common braiding center.

14. Method for controlling a rotational braiding machine (100), wherein the rotational braiding machine (100) comprises a plurality of first braiding material carriers (200a), a plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b), a movement unit, a drive and a controller, wherein the plurality of first braiding material carriers (200a) is arranged around a common braiding center of the rotational braiding machine (100) and is configured in each case to carry a braiding material to be braided in the common braiding center, wherein the plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b) is arranged around the common braiding center of the rotational braiding machine (100) and is configured in each case to carry a braiding material to be braided in the common braiding center, wherein the movement unit is arranged and configured to move relocating elements (300) associated respectively with the first braiding material carriers (200a) between a first position and a second position in each case, wherein each of the relocating elements (300) is able to raise the braiding material in the first position such that at least one of the plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b) can pass under the raised braiding material, and wherein each of the relocating elements (300) is able to lower the braiding material in the second position such that at least one of the plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b) can pass over the lowered braiding material, wherein the movement unit includes a rotatable cam ring (400) being rotatable about the common braiding center at a cam ring rotational speed or is configured as a rotatable cam ring (400) being rotatable about the common braiding center at a cam ring rotational speed, wherein the method comprises the steps: driving of the plurality of first braiding material carriers (200a) such that the plurality of first braiding material carriers (200a) rotates in a first rotation direction about the common braiding center; driving of the plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b) such that the plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b) rotates in a second rotation direction different from the first rotation direction about the common braiding center; and control of the movement unit such that the movement of at least one of the relocating elements (300) is adjustable.

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