Modular braiding apparatus, a process of changing the dimensions of a braiding machine and a method of braiding a braided structure

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for producing braided structures of variable size, comprising: - a braiding machine (1000) defining a first guide path (100) on which a plurality of spindles (3) are movable, which guide path is defined by an assembly of drive modules (30) and first spacer modules (10), a first spacer module (10) being inserted between two drive modules (30) so as to space them apart by a first angular spacing; and - second spacer modules (20) capable of being removably assembled with all or some of the drive modules (30) by inserting a second spacer module (20) between two drive modules (30) so as to define a second guide path (200) and so as to space two consecutive drive modules (30) apart by a second angular spacing, the assembly being configured to obtain a braiding machine (2000) having a second size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to braiding machines enabling the production of braided structures, and more particularly braided tubular structures. Previous technique

[0002] A braiding machine typically comprises a table with intersecting tracks, called guideways, along which yarn feed spindles, connected to a machine draw point, are moved. These yarn feed spindles thus intersect regularly to form a braid. Generally, the braid formation can be carried out on a form, called a forming mandrel, which moves during the braid formation process: this is known as "overbraiding." The movement of the spindles along the guideways is typically achieved by means of rotating notched wheels, preferably arranged in one or more concentric circles. Such braiding machines are described, for example, in documents FR 2 804 133 and US 8 347 772.

[0003] If you want to create braided structures of different sizes, you need several braiding machines of varying dimensions. However, this solution requires using several bulky braiding machines.

[0004] US patent 5,067,525 A discloses an apparatus for interlacing yarns to obtain a three-dimensional fabric of variable size, without removable spacer modules allowing variable angular spacing of the drive modules. FR patent 2,804,133 A1 discloses a braiding machine comprising several guide paths. This patent describes removable needles that fit into a corresponding recess in the support plate and do not result in any variable spacing of the drive modules. WO patent 2014 / 143917 A1 discloses a braiding system with movable carriers. This patent discloses a method for changing the size of a braiding machine without prior separation of the drive modules and without the need for spacer modules. Description of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a modular braiding system adaptable to the size of the braided structure to be created. To this end, the invention proposes a system for manufacturing braided structures of varying sizes, comprising: a braiding machine having a first size defining a first guide path on which a plurality of yarn feed spindles are mobile so as to participate in the braiding, the first guide path being defined by an assembly of drive modules capable of circulating the feed spindles on the first guide path and first removable spacing modules of the drive modules, a first spacing module being interposed between two consecutive drive modules so as to space them by a first angular spacing,and second spacing modules capable of being removably assembled with all or part of the drive modules by inserting a second spacing module between two consecutive drive modules so as to define a second guide path different from the first guide path on which the yarn feed spindles are intended to be mobile in order to participate in braiding and so as to space two consecutive drive modules by a second angular spacing different from the first angular spacing, the assembly of the second spacing modules and the drive modules being configured to obtain a braiding machine having a second size different from the first size.

[0006] Thus, the proposed system allows for the creation of at least two different braiding machine sizes, suitable for manufacturing braided structures of varying sizes, all within a very compact footprint. Indeed, when the braiding machine size is no longer appropriate, it can be modified, thus avoiding unnecessary space constraints. The use of removable spacer modules allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the braiding machine.

[0007] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the assembly further comprises a first shaping mandrel associated with the first guideway and a second shaping mandrel associated with the second guideway having a different size than the first shaping mandrel.

[0008] The presence of a shaping mandrel facilitates the braiding of the structure, as the shape of the shaping mandrel provides support on and around which the yarns can be braided to the desired cross-section. To create braided structures of varying sizes, shaping mandrels of varying sizes are used, adapted to the size of the braided structure to be produced.

[0009] A shaping mandrel associated with a guide path refers to the shaping mandrel on which the braided yarns from the moving spindles on the guide path rest.

[0010] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, the drive modules comprise an assembly portion on which a notched wheel is mounted, the notched wheels being configured to be driven in rotation in order to circulate the feed spindles along the first or second guide path.

[0011] The invention further relates to a method for modifying the size of a braiding machine implementing the assembly described above, comprising: dismantling the braiding machine so as to separate the drive modules from the first spacing modules, mounting all or part of the drive modules with the second spacing modules so as to define the second guide path and obtain a braiding machine of a different size.

[0012] The invention also relates to a method for braiding a braided structure comprising: the modification of the size of a braiding machine by implementing the process described above, and the braiding of the braided structure with a plurality of movable yarn feed spindles along the second guide path of the braiding machine of different size. Brief description of the drawings

[0013] [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an early braiding machine. Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a schematic top view of the braiding machine figure 1 . [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a partial schematic representation of the transformation of the first braiding machine of figures 1 and 2 in a second braiding machine of a different size. Description of the implementation methods

[0014] THE figures 1 and 2These diagrams schematically illustrate an example of a first braiding machine 1000 having a first size, enabling the production of braided structures with dimensions adapted to this first size. The first braiding machine 1000 comprises a first plate 1 and a plurality of yarn feed spindles 3. The first plate 1 is preferably horizontal, to facilitate its support and that of the yarn feed spindles 3. However, it does not depart from the scope of the invention if the first plate 1 is vertical or inclined.

[0015] The first plate 1 includes a guide path 100. The thread feed spindles 3, which move along this guide path 100, participate in the weaving of the braided structure. The guide path 100 is therefore configured to be traversed clockwise by a first plurality of spindles 3, and counterclockwise by a second plurality of spindles 3. In the example illustrated on the figures 1 and 2The guide path 100 comprises two guide sub-paths 110 and 120 which regularly intersect, the first guide sub-path 110 being configured to be traversed by the first plurality of spindles 3 and the second sub-path 120 being configured to be traversed by the second plurality of spindles 3. We do not, of course, depart from the scope of the invention if the first guide path comprises more than two sub-paths, for example if we wish to create a braided structure comprising several layers or having a complex bonding weave, such as for example an interlock braid.

[0016] Each wire feed spindle 3 carries a spool of braiding wire and includes a guide support suitable for moving along the guide path 100. In a well-known manner, each spool of braiding wire is connected to a wire tension management and retraction system.

[0017] The braiding machine 1000 further includes at least one drawing point located at a distance from the first plate 1, to which are connected the yarns from the reels carried by the feed spindles 3 movable along the guide path 100.

[0018] Preferably, The first braiding machine 1000 includes a first forming mandrel 5, which is a shape on which the intertwined threads rest to form the tight braid. The braiding machine 1000 thus allows for processes known as "over-braiding".

[0019] The 100 guide path illustrated on the figures 1 and 2is formed by an assembly of drive modules 30 and removable first spacer modules 10, with a first spacer module 10 inserted between two consecutive drive modules 30 so as to separate them by a first angular spacing. Thus, two consecutive drive modules 30 are separated by a removable first spacer module 10. Each first spacer module 10 can be located between two consecutive drive modules 30. The drive modules 30 and the removable first spacer modules 10 are arranged alternately along the guide path 100.

[0020] The drive modules 30 have grooves forming portions of the guide track 100. These grooves allow the passage of the guide supports for the feed spindles 3. These grooves are open to the outside. For example, these grooves have a substantially rectangular cross-section open to the outside. Each drive module 30 may have at least one groove forming a portion of the first sub-guide track 110 and at least one groove forming a portion of the second sub-guide track 120, said grooves not intersecting.

[0021] Each drive module 30 includes two opposing assembly edges, intended to allow the assembly of said drive module 30 with the first removable spacer modules 10. The assembly edges of the drive modules 30 cooperate with assembly edges of the spacer modules 10, for example by inserting a protruding element of an assembly edge into a defined housing in the opposite assembly edge.

[0022] Each drive module 30 also includes a central assembly portion 31 for mounting a slotted wheel 32. The slotted wheels 32 of the drive modules 30 are configured to be driven in rotation to circulate the wire feed spindles 3 along the first guide path 100. The assembly portion 31 of the drive modules 30 may be in the form of a through hole allowing the shaft of the slotted wheel 32 to pass through.

[0023] As illustrated on the figures 1 and 2 Each slotted wheel 32 preferably comprises four slots. The slotted wheels 32 are preferably driven in rotation in a well-known manner by means of gear trains controlled by one or more motors.

[0024] Preferably, the 30 training modules have a rectangular shape, in order to facilitate their assembly and disassembly.

[0025] The first removable spacer modules 10 have grooves forming portions of the guide track 100. These grooves allow the passage of the guide supports for the feed spindles 3. These grooves are open to the outside. For example, these grooves have a substantially rectangular cross-section open to the outside. Each first removable spacer module 10 may have at least one groove forming a portion of the first sub-guide track 110 and at least one groove forming a portion of the second sub-guide track 120, said grooves intersecting.The grooves of the first spacer modules 10 are configured so that when the spacer modules 10 are mounted with the drive modules 30, the ends of the grooves of the first removable spacer modules 10 forming portions of the guide path 100 open onto the grooves of the adjacent drive modules 30 in order to form a continuous and closed guide path 100.

[0026] Preferably, the first 10 spacer modules do not include notched wheels.

[0027] As illustrated on the figure 3At least some of the drive modules 30 and the first removable spacer modules 10 of the braiding machine 1000 extend along a circle C1 of radius R1 around the axis A of the first braiding machine 1000. More precisely, at least some of the assembly portions 31 of the drive modules 30 are distributed on the circle C1 of radius R1, i.e., the centers of the slotted wheels 32 are distributed on the circle C1 of radius R1. The first braiding machine 1000 comprises N1 drive modules 30 and N1 first removable spacer modules 10 distributed on the circle C1 of radius R1. For the sake of simplification and clarity in the figures, the number of modules and slotted wheels shown in the figures 1 and 2 does not correspond to the number of modules and notched wheels shown on the figure 3 .

[0028] The assembly portions 31 of two successive drive modules 30 are spaced a fixed distance L apart; that is, the centers of two consecutive slotted wheels 32 are spaced a fixed distance L apart. This distance L between two consecutive slotted wheels 32 is adapted to the size of said slotted wheels 32, in order to allow and facilitate the transfer of the feed spindles 3 from one drive module 30 to the next drive module 30. Indeed, the centers of two consecutive slotted wheels 32 must be sufficiently far apart to avoid collision between said wheels, but must be close enough to allow the transfer of the spindles 3 from one drive module 30 to the next drive module 30.

[0029] For the same reasons, the distance between the assembly portion 31 of a drive module 30 and the intersection point of the grooves of a first adjacent spacer module 10 is preferably constant along the first guide path 100, that is to say, the distance between the center of a notched wheel 32 of a drive module 30 and the intersection point of the grooves of a first spacer module 10 adjacent to said drive module 30 is preferably constant along the first guide path 100. Said distance is thus adapted to the dimension of the wheels 32 so as to avoid any collision between the wheels but to allow the passage of the spindles 3 of one drive module 30 to the next drive module 30.

[0030] The first braiding machine, model 1000, has a basic size and allows for the creation of braided structures with dimensions suited to this basic size. However, when it is necessary to create braided structures with different dimensions, the first braiding machine, model 1000, can be adapted into a second braiding machine, model 2000, which has a second size different from the first.

[0031] For this purpose, the first braiding machine 1000 belongs to a set for the manufacture of braided structures of variable size including also at least second spacing modules 20.

[0032] To change the size of the first braiding machine 1000, the first plate 1 of the first braiding machine 1000 is modified to obtain a second plate 2 corresponding to the second braiding machine 2000 to be obtained. In the example illustrated on the figure 3The second braiding machine 2000 has a smaller size and 30 fewer drive modules than the first braiding machine 1000. It is of course not outside the scope of the invention if the second braiding machine 2000 has a larger size and 30 more drive modules than the first braiding machine 1000.

[0033] The second platter 2 of the second braiding machine 2000 includes a guide path 200. The yarn feed spindles 3, which move along this guide path 200, participate in braiding the braided structure. The guide path 200 is therefore configured to be traversed clockwise by a first plurality of spindles 3, and counterclockwise by a second plurality of spindles 3. In the example illustrated on the figure 3The guide path 200 comprises two guide sub-paths 210 and 220 which regularly intersect, the first guide sub-path 210 being configured to be traversed by the first plurality of spindles 3 and the second sub-path 220 being configured to be traversed by the second plurality of spindles 3. We do not, of course, depart from the scope of the invention if the second guide path comprises more than two sub-paths, for example if we wish to create a braided structure comprising several layers or having a complex bonding weave, such as for example an interlock braid.

[0034] The number of 3 mobile spindles on the 200 guide path of the second 2000 braiding machine is different from the number of 3 mobile spindles on the 100 guide path of the first 1000 braiding machine, in order to adapt to the new dimensions of braided structures to be produced.

[0035] The second braiding machine 2000 further includes at least one drawing point located at a distance from the second plate 2, to which are connected the yarns from the bobbins carried by the feed spindles 3 mobile along the guide path 200. Preferably, the second braiding machine 1000 includes a second shaping mandrel having different dimensions from the first shaping mandrel 5 of the first braiding machine 1000, in order to adapt to the new dimensions of braided structures to be produced.

[0036] The guidance path 200, as illustrated on the figure 3The system consists of an assembly of drive modules 30 and removable second spacer modules 20. A second spacer module 20 is inserted between two consecutive drive modules 30 so as to space them at a second angular spacing different from the first angular spacing. Thus, two consecutive drive modules 30 are separated by a removable second spacer module 20. Each second spacer module 20 can be located between two consecutive drive modules 30. The drive modules 30 and the removable second spacer modules 20 are arranged alternately along the second guide path 200.

[0037] The assembly edges of the drive modules 30 cooperate with the assembly edges of the spacing modules 20, for example by inserting a protruding element of an assembly edge into a defined housing in the opposite assembly edge.

[0038] For the assembly of the second braiding machine 2000, at least some of the drive modules 30 from the first braiding machine 1000 can be used. The drive modules 30 of the second braiding machine 2000 are identical to the drive modules 30 of the first braiding machine 1000. The second braiding machine 2000 does not include first spacing modules 10.

[0039] The second removable spacer modules 20 have grooves forming portions of the guide track 200. These grooves allow the passage of the guide supports for the feed spindles 3. These grooves are open to the outside. For example, these grooves have a substantially rectangular cross-section open to the outside. Each second removable spacer module 20 may have at least one groove forming a portion of the first sub-guide track 210 and at least one groove forming a portion of the second sub-guide track 220, said grooves intersecting.The grooves of the second spacer modules 20 are configured so that when the spacer modules 20 are mounted with the drive modules 30, the ends of the grooves of the second removable spacer modules 20 forming portions of the guide path 200 open onto the grooves of the adjacent drive modules 30 in order to form a continuous and closed guide path 200.

[0040] Preferably, the second 20 spacer modules do not include notched wheels.

[0041] As illustrated on the figure 3At least some of the drive modules 30 and the removable second spacer modules 20 of the second braiding machine 2000 extend along a circle C2 of radius R2 around the axis A of the second braiding machine 2000. More precisely, at least some of the assembly portions 31 of the drive modules 30 are distributed on the circle C2 of radius R2, i.e., the centers of the slotted wheels 32 are distributed on the circle C2 of radius R2. The second braiding machine 2000 comprises N2 drive modules 30 and N2 removable second spacer modules 20 distributed on the circle C2 of radius R2. The number N 2 of drive modules 30 of the second braiding machine 2000 is different from the number N 1 of drive modules 30 of the first braiding machine 1000, in order to adapt to the difference in dimensions of the braided structure to be produced.

[0042] Preferably, the assembly portions 31 of two successive drive modules 30 of the second braiding machine 2000 are spaced at a distance close to the spacing distance L between the assembly portions 31 of two successive drive modules 30 of the first braiding machine 1000.

[0043] Thus, the centers of two consecutive slotted wheels 32 of the second braiding machine 2000 can be spaced at a distance between 90% and 110% of the spacing distance L between the centers of two consecutive slotted wheels 32 of the first braiding machine 1000. Therefore, the slotted wheels 32 used in the first braiding machine 1000 can be used in the second braiding machine 2000 while ensuring easy guidance of the spindles 3 between the drive modules 30.

[0044] For the same reasons, the distance between the assembly portion 31 of a drive module 30 and the intersection point of the grooves of a second adjacent spacer module 20 is preferably constant along the second guide path 200; that is, the distance between the center of a notched wheel 32 of a drive module 30 and the intersection point of the grooves of a second adjacent spacer module 20 is preferably constant along the second guide path 100. This distance is thus preferably close to the distance between the assembly portion 31 of a drive module 30 and the intersection point of the grooves of a first adjacent spacer module 10; that is, close to the distance between the center of a notched wheel 32 of a drive module 30 and the intersection point of the grooves of a first module spacing 10 adjacent to said training module 30.

[0045] In order to easily reuse the slotted wheels 32 from the first braiding machine 1000 in the second braiding machine 2000, a person skilled in the art can follow certain rules and approximations to design the second braiding machine 2000 based on the first braiding machine 1000. Thus, starting with the first assembled braiding machine 1000 comprising N1 drive modules 30 whose slotted wheel centers 32 are mounted on a circle of radius R1, and with the aim of assembling a second braiding machine 2000 comprising N2 drive modules 30, a person skilled in the art can estimate that the central assembly portions of said N2 drive modules 30 must be distributed on a circle of radius R2, the value of which is estimated by the expression: R 1 × sin π N 1 sin π N 2

[0046] Thus, according to an example, the value of the radius R 2 of the circle C 2 on which the N 2 drive modules 30 of the second braiding machine 2000 are distributed can correspond to between 90% and 110% of the value of the previous expression.

[0047] The transformation of the first braiding machine 1000, with a first size, into a second braiding machine 2000, with a second size different from the first, is achieved by dismantling the first braiding machine 1000 to separate the drive modules 30 and the first spacer modules 10. The first spacer modules 10 are set aside. Then, all or some of the drive modules 30 are assembled with the second spacer modules 20 to define the second guide path 200 and obtain the second braiding machine 2000 of a different size. Additional drive modules 30 not belonging to the first braiding machine 1000 can be used to create the second braiding machine 2000 when it is larger.

[0048] The invention remains within the scope of the invention if the assembly for manufacturing braided structures of variable size also includes third spacing modules capable of being removably assembled with all or part of the drive modules 30 by inserting a third spacing module between two consecutive drive modules 30 so as to define a third guide path different from the first and second guide paths 100 and 200 on which the yarn feed spindles 3 are movable in order to participate in the braiding, and so as to space two consecutive drive modules 30 by a third angular spacing different from the first and second angular spacings, the assembly of the third spacing modules and the drive modules 30 being configured to obtain a braiding machine having a third size different from the first and second braiding machine sizes. Similarly In a way, the wholefor the manufacture of braided structures of variable size may include other pluralities of spacing modules each allowing to make braiding machines of a different size.

[0049] The term "yarn" used in this application may refer to a single yarn or single fiber, but may also refer to a strand or braid.

[0050] In particular, the fibers can be carbon fibers, ceramic fibers, or a mixture of carbon and ceramic fibers. The braided structure according to the process of the invention can be a fibrous structure, which may optionally be consolidated or densified by a matrix to form the fibrous reinforcement of a composite material part. The braided structure according to the process of the invention can thus form, for example, all or part of the fibrous reinforcement of a composite material part for the automotive, aeronautical, or space industries. In particular, the resulting braided structure can form, for example, the fibrous reinforcement of a divergent or rocket engine nozzle.

[0051] The braided structure according to the process of the invention can also allow the formation of straps or ropes.

Claims

1. An set for manufacturing braided structures of variable size, comprising: - a braiding machine (1000) having a first size defining a first guide track (100) on which a plurality of thread feed spindles (3) are movable so as to participate in the braiding, the set being characterized in that the first guide track (100) is defined by an assembly of driving modules (30) able to circulate the feed spindles (3) on the first guide track (100) and of first spacing modules (10) removable from the driving modules (30), a first spacing module (10) being interposed between two consecutive driving modules (30) so as to space them by a first angular spacing, the set further comprising: - second spacing modules (20) able to be removably assembled with all or part of the driving modules (30) by interposing a second spacing module (20) between two consecutive driving modules (30) so as to define a second guide track (200) different from the first guide track (100) on which the thread feed spindles (3) are intended to be movable in order to participate in the braiding and so as to space two consecutive driving modules (30) by a second angular spacing different from the first angular spacing, the assembly of the second spacing modules (20) and of the driving modules (30) being configured to obtain a braiding machine (2000) having a second size different from the first size.

2. The set according to claim 1, said set comprising a first shaping mandrel (5) associated with the first guide track (100) and a second shaping mandrel associated with the second guide track (200) having a different size than the first shaping mandrel (5).

3. The set according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the driving modules (30) comprise an assembly portion (31) on which a slotted wheel (32) is mounted, the slotted wheels (32) being configured to be driven in rotation in order to circulate the feed spindles (3) along the first or the second guide track (100, 200).

4. A method for modifying the size of a braiding machine implementing the set according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: - dismounting the braiding machine (1000) so as to separate the driving modules (30) from the first spacing modules (10), - mounting all or part of the driving modules (30) with the second spacing modules (20) so as to define the second guide track (200) and obtain a braiding machine (2000) of a different size.

5. The method for braiding a braided structure comprising: - modifying the size of a braiding machine by implementing the method according to claim 4, and - braiding the braided structure with a plurality of movable thread feed spindles (3) along the second guide track (200) of the braiding machine (2000) of a different size.

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