US20220162783A1 - Braiding machine - Google Patents
Braiding machine Download PDFInfo
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- US20220162783A1 US20220162783A1 US17/611,624 US201917611624A US2022162783A1 US 20220162783 A1 US20220162783 A1 US 20220162783A1 US 201917611624 A US201917611624 A US 201917611624A US 2022162783 A1 US2022162783 A1 US 2022162783A1
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- 238000009954 braiding Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 62
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001356 surgical procedure Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004931 aggregating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009194 climbing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04C—BRAIDING OR MANUFACTURE OF LACE, INCLUDING BOBBIN-NET OR CARBONISED LACE; BRAIDING MACHINES; BRAID; LACE
- D04C3/00—Braiding or lacing machines
- D04C3/02—Braiding or lacing machines with spool carriers guided by track plates or by bobbin heads exclusively
- D04C3/24—Devices for controlling spool carriers to obtain patterns, e.g. devices on guides or track plates
- D04C3/30—Devices for controlling spool carriers to obtain patterns, e.g. devices on guides or track plates by controlling switches of guides or track plates
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04C—BRAIDING OR MANUFACTURE OF LACE, INCLUDING BOBBIN-NET OR CARBONISED LACE; BRAIDING MACHINES; BRAID; LACE
- D04C3/00—Braiding or lacing machines
- D04C3/02—Braiding or lacing machines with spool carriers guided by track plates or by bobbin heads exclusively
- D04C3/14—Spool carriers
- D04C3/18—Spool carriers for vertical spools
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04C—BRAIDING OR MANUFACTURE OF LACE, INCLUDING BOBBIN-NET OR CARBONISED LACE; BRAIDING MACHINES; BRAID; LACE
- D04C3/00—Braiding or lacing machines
- D04C3/02—Braiding or lacing machines with spool carriers guided by track plates or by bobbin heads exclusively
- D04C3/20—Arrangement of bobbin heads and guides or track plates in the machine
Definitions
- Braiding machine of the type comprising a series of plates arranged in a continuous order in a closed circuit, each plate comprising certain slots that accommodate spindles having a guide; at least a drive means for driving the plates; guide channels where the spindle guides run, and at least two diverter channels having two positions; a first one for continuous rotation by the same plate, and a second position for shifting the plate; characterized in that it comprises: a first group of plates having at least five plates, one of which plates is the driving plate, the first driving plate, arranged one after the other and defining two end plates, having at least four slots in each plate; a second group of plates having two plates, both driving plates, which are arranged after the two end plates, one for each end plate, having at least four slots and both plates, in the two plates; and a third group of plates having a plate that is arranged between the second driving plates, the third driving plate, which closes the circuit, and having at least two slots more than the plates in the second group of plates and, since the two diverter channels are located between
- a first system consists of production with machines that perform a round braiding with an even number of threads. These machines intertwine the threads in the coils by rotating the coils in one direction and rotating the coils in the opposite direction, thus forming what is known as a tubular braided structure. These braids are used for different purposes, for example, ropes for ships, for climbing, etc.
- the second system consists of machines that produce a flat braiding, with an odd number of threads.
- state of the art is Spanish Patent no 200002978 (ES2193817), “BRAIDING MACHINE”, of 2000, owned by AMERICAN METRIC CORPORATION, concerning a braiding machine formed by a supporting table mounting a plurality of individual segments forming a bed having substantially circular tracking groove.
- Each segment comprises a segment groove which comprises a pair of opposed transfer openings formed through the outer wall, with the transfer openings of adjacent segments being in contact forming the tracking groove as an endless ring.
- the size of the endless ring is determined by the number and size of the segments used.
- the tracking groove may be coated with a selected material other than the material forming the segment.
- the applicant company is the owner of Spanish Patent no 201531634 (ES2612143-WO2017081338) “BRAIDING MACHINE”, of 2015, which comprises supply means which move a number of plates on which spool-carrying mechanisms are disposed, and comprising at least one guide in the form of a figure of eight, inside which a guiding element belonging to the spool-carrying mechanism moves, and a first shaft connected to the supply means, belonging to the plate, and terminating at the top in a first pinion, to which at least one satellite pinion engages, which is in turn engaged with a second pinion belonging to the spool-carrying mechanism, wherein a rotation of the first shaft brings about the rotation of the first pinion, which blocks the satellite pinion, moving same and moves the spool-carrying mechanism according to the path of the guide, with the same face of the spool-carrying mechanism remaining facing a predetermined point of reference during the entire course of the guide.
- the present invention belongs to the field of braiding machines.
- This invention solves this problem by enabling the switch from flat braiding to round braiding and vice versa almost automatically, and within a few seconds, just the time needed to synchronize flat and round, and vice versa, thus avoiding thread splicing.
- An object of the present invention is a braiding machine of the type comprising a series of plates arranged in a continuous manner in a closed circuit, each plate comprising a number of slots accommodating a number of spindles with a guide, at least one drive means for driving the plates, guide channels where the spindle guides run and at least two diverter channels having two positions, a first position for continuous rotation in one same plate and a second position, for switching plates; characterized in that it comprises: a first group of plates having at least five plates, where one of the plates is a driving plate, the first driving plate, arranged in a continuous manner and two end plates, having at least four slots in each plate, a second group of plates, having two plates, both of which are driving plates, second driving plates, which are located subsequent to the two end plates, one for each end plate, having at least four slots, in both plates and a third group of plates having one plate, fitted in between the second driving plates, driving plate, the third driving plate, closing the circuit, having at least two slots more than the plates of the first
- FIG. 1 is a general view of the object of the present invention showing a round braid configuration
- FIG. 2 is a bottom view of FIG. 1 , showing the engines and the gears;
- FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the present invention with a flat braiding configuration
- FIG. 4 is an elevation view of FIG. 3 , without the spindles;
- FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the present invention with a round braiding configuration
- FIG. 6 is a detailed view of an example of diverter channels
- FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the first driving plate having spindles and coils.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic view of three positions with flat braiding.
- FIG. 1 shows an end plate 5 , second driving plates 6 , 7 , a third driving plate 8 , drive means of a first driving plate 13 , drive means of the second driving plates 14 , 15 , drive means of third driving plate 16 , drive means of diverter channels 17 , 18 and a chassis 26 .
- FIG. 2 includes a representation of the drive means of a first driving plate 13 , drive means of second driving plates 14 , 15 , drive means of third driving plate 16 , drive means of diverter channels 17 , 18 , chassis 26 , a first driving pinion 27 , driven pinions 28 , 29 and end plate pinions 30 , 31 .
- FIG. 3 shows first driving plate 1 , driven plates 2 , 3 , end plates 4 , 5 with their respective slots 9 , all of which form the first group of plates, second driving plates 6 , 7 which form the second group of plates, third driving plate 8 with its respective slots 11 which forms the third group of plates, the first group of plates spindles 20 , the second group of plates spindles 23 and switching spindles 24 , 25 .
- FIG. 4 shows the first driving plate 1 , driven plates 2 , 3 , end plates 4 , 5 with their slots 9 , second driving plates 6 , 7 with their slots 10 , third driving plate 8 with its slots 11 and switching spindles 24 , 25 .
- FIG. 5 shows first driving plate 1 , driven plates 2 , 3 , end plates 4 , 5 with their slots 9 , second driving plates 6 , 7 with their slots 10 , third driving plate 8 with its slots 11 , first group of plates spindles 20 , second group of plates spindles 23 , third group of plates spindles 32 and switching spindles 24 , 25 .
- FIG. 6 shows second driving plates 6 , 7 , third driving plate 8 , diverter channels 12 , 19 and guide channels 22 .
- FIG. 7 shows first driving plate 1 , intersection channels 33 , a spindle guide 21 , first group of plates spindle 20 and guide channels 22 .
- FIG. 8 shows the end plate with its slots 9 , which form the first group of plates, second driving plates 6 , 7 with their slots 10 which form the second group of plates, second group of plates spindles 23 y switching spindles 24 , 25 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates the two positions of the diverter channels 12 , 19 , one in each position. This is aimed at facilitating the explanation that will be provided hereafter.
- both diverter channels 12 , 19 when both diverter channels 12 , 19 operate, they should be arranged in the same position and not as shown in FIG. 6 , that is, the diverter channels should not be each in its own operating position and both should be in the same operating position.
- the two diverter channels should be positioned as shown in the diverter channel 12
- both diverter channels should be positioned as they are shown in diverter channel 19 .
- the braiding machine of the present invention is formed by a series of plates 1 - 8 that are arranged in a continuous manner, one after the other, forming a closed circuit.
- the plates 1 - 8 comprise slots 9 , which is where the spindles 20 are accommodated with the braiding thread.
- Each one of the spindles 20 has a guide 21 , which is arranged inside the guiding channels 22 , and the guides 21 move inside the guiding channels 22 ( FIG. 7 ).
- the invention comprises at least one drive means that drives the plates 1 - 8 , and at least two diverter channels 12 , 19 having two positions.
- This embodiment comprises two channels, but the number of channels may be increased if required, to adapt to particular structural needs.
- the positions are: a first position for continuous rotation of the spindle in one same plate and a second position, for the spindle to switch plates; that is, in the first position the spindle keeps rotating within a same plate and in the second position the spindle switches plate.
- the plates are grouped in three groups, having different purposes and different actions, according to whether the braiding is flat or round.
- the first group of plates is made up of a minimum number of five plates 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 .
- One of the plates is a driving plate, the first driving plate 1 , that is, this driving plate 1 transmits motion to the other plates; driven plates 2 , 3 and end plates 4 , 5 .
- Plates 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 are arranged in a continuous manner and they define the two end plates 4 , 5 , which are also driven plates.
- plates 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 include at least four slots 9 in each of plates 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 .
- the second group of plates is made up of two plates 6 , 7 , both of which are driving plates, which will hereafter be referred to as second driving plates 6 , 7 .
- Both second driving plates are positioned after the two end plates 4 , 5 , one for each end plate.
- the same as the plates of the first group, also the plates of the second group comprise at least four slots 10 , in both plates 6 , 7 .
- the last group of plates, the third group is made up of just one plate, a driving plate, the third driving plate 8 , which is positioned in between the second driving plates 6 , 7 , that is, closing the circuit.
- the third driving plate 8 includes at least two slots 11 more than the plates of the first group of plates.
- the two diverter channels 12 , 19 are positioned between the second group of plates and the third group of plates.
- the two diverter channels define a first operation position wherein the third driving plate 8 is isolated from the circuit, consistently with the flat braiding and the position shown in the diverter channel 19 , that is, it will not carry any spindles; and a second operation position wherein the third driving plate 8 is part of the circuit, consistently with the round braiding, the diverter channel is positioned as shown in the diverter channel 12 and therefore conveys the spindles.
- plates 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 of the first group of plates and plates 6 , 7 of the second group of plates include four slots, and plate 8 of the third group of plates includes six slots.
- each driving plate 1 , 6 , 7 , 8 is an independent drive means 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , for example, a servo driver for each driving plate 1 , 6 , 7 , 8 .
- each diverter channel 12 , 19 comprises an independent drive means 17 , 18 , for example, servo drivers, that is, to drive the diverter channels 12 , 19 between the first operation position and the second operation position and vice versa, as above explained.
- the third driving plate 8 rotates at a lower speed than the second driving plates 6 , 7 and the first driving plate 1 .
- second driving plates 6 , 7 include at some time a spindle 23 , 24 in each slot 10 ( FIG. 8 ).
- second driving plates 6 , 7 move forwards and backwards, as will explained more in detail bellow, and which is illustrated in the three positions in FIG. 8 .
- both in the round braiding position and in the flat braiding position seventeen spindles are included: 20 , 23 , 24 , 25 .
- a braiding machine can be configured so that eight spindles rotate in one direction and nine spindles rotate in the opposite direction. That is, even in round braiding, braids of an odd number of threads can be produced, whereas round braids are usually made only with an even number of threads.
- the third driving plate 8 can be configured so that the diameter of the third driving plate 8 is the same as the second driving plates 6 , 7 and the same diameter as the plates in the first group 1 - 5 .
- plates 1 - 8 are arranged in a circle.
- the operator will firstly set the control panel (not shown, commonly known and not part of the claims hereof) according to the type of braiding the machine is to perform. If the operator choses a round braiding, as in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 , the process will be as follows:
- plates 1 - 7 have four slots in each plate and six slots in the third driving plate 8 .
- the number of slots 11 in the third driving plate 8 may vary according to the number of slots in the remaining plates 1 - 7 and of the particular needs, but the minimum number of slots must be two more slots that in the second driving plates 6 , 7 .
- the slot configuration also relates to the rotation speed of the third driving plate 8 which, having second driving plates 6 , 7 with four slots each, and third driving plates 8 with six slots 11 each, that is in a 2 ⁇ 3 ratio, in turn defines that the rotation speed of the third driving plate 8 is 2 ⁇ 3 the speed of the second driving plates 6 , 7 , and therefore the ratio is the same ratio between the slots of the second driving plates 6 , 7 and the third driving plate 8 .
- the configuration of the round braiding in this embodiment includes eight plates. These eight plates include four driving plates, first driving plate 1 , which drives the plates in the first group of plates by means of a gear system ( FIG. 2 ), and second driving plates 6 , 7 and third driving plate 8 .
- the closed circuit in this example formed by eight plates 1 - 8 , comprises seventeen spindles 20 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 32 , nine rotating in one direction and eight rotating in the opposite direction.
- the same number of spindles is used in both the configuration for round braiding and the configuration for flat braiding.
- first driving plate 1 rotates in one direction
- the two driven plates 2 , 3 that follow the first driving plate 1 rotate in the opposite direction
- end plates 4 , 5 rotate in the same direction as the first driving plate 1 .
- All the plates are connected by gears ( FIG. 2 ) that allow that when first driving plate 1 rotates, this makes all the plates to rotate by effect of the movement that the first driver pinion 27 connected to the first driving plate 1 generates when actuating the two driven pinions 28 , 29 that are connected to driven plates 2 , 3 ; and these are connected to end plate pinions 30 , 31 , which in turn are connected to end plates 4 , 5 , which are made to rotate.
- Second driving plates 6 , 7 are not geared to the first group of plates. Thus, when the machine has to go from round braiding to flat braiding and vice versa, this system allows the plates to be synchronized, as will be explained more in detail.
- third driving plate 8 is neither geared to second driving plates 6 , 7 so as to allow imparting a different speed and to be able to synchronize with second driving plates 6 , 7 , or to stop at the flat braiding, and such third driving plate 8 is not engaged.
- spindle 24 from end plate 4 reaches the intersection channels 33 , such spindle 24 switches plate, passes to the second driving plate 6 and stays therein until it reaches the diverter channel 12 .
- the diverter channel 12 is in the switching position, so that the spindle 24 will stay in the third driving plate 8 and then will continue to the second driving plate 7 .
- third driving plate 8 moves at a lower speed than second driving plates 6 , 7 , at 2 ⁇ 3 the speed of second driving plates 6 , 7 , then third driving plate 8 needs to have more slots 11 (1 ⁇ 3 more slots than the slots in second driving plates 6 , 7 ); consequently, if the slots 10 in second driving plates 6 , 7 were four in number, the slots 11 in the third driving plate 8 would be six, if the speed of second driving plates 6 , 7 were x rpm, the speed of third driving plate would be 2 ⁇ 3 of X rpm. This is done in this way in order to allow aggregating more spindles 32 in the third driving plate 8 and being able to produce a round braiding.
- the operator should decide that the braiding should be flat, the operator could change the configuration and the machine would start synchronizing the spindles.
- the third driving plate 8 eject its spindles 32 towards the second driving plates 6 , 7 .
- the drawings show four spindles 32 .
- said third driving plate 8 may be stopped or set to an idle position, since said third driving plate 8 does not affect the braiding.
- the two diverter channels change the configuration to the configuration shown in FIG. 6 bearing reference number 19 , so that the spindle will rotate and will not switch to the third driving plate 8 , but will continue to rotate around the second driving plates 6 , 7 .
- the closed circuit in this configuration is made up of seven plates 1 - 7 .
- the spindle in a flat braiding would move in a similar manner as the round braiding until reaching second driving plates 6 , 7 .
- the last plates in the spot where the second driving plates 6 , 7 are arranged, these plates have one slot more than the other plates. In this case, the number of slots is the same.
- the machine In order to be able to maintain the same number of spindles as in the round braiding without stopping the machine, the machine must be able to operate with two slots less than second driving plates 6 , 7 .
- the solution is provided in FIG. 8 .
- the spindle 24 of second driving plate 7 is switched in slot 9 which is available at the end plate 5 , leaving slot 10 in the second driving plate 7 unengaged ( FIG. 8A ).
- end plate 5 maintains the same speed and has one spindle 25 to switch with the second driving plate 7 which; if end plate 5 continues rotating, spindle 23 of the second driving plate 7 would face spindle 25 of end plate 5 ( FIG. 8B ).
- second driving plate 7 In order to use free slot 10 , second driving plate 7 must stop and go backwards until making free slot 10 match the moment in which spindle 25 from end plate 5 is switched to second driving plate 7 ( FIG. 8C ).
- a same machine may be used for both flat braiding and round braiding or vice versa, without the need to stop the machine and waste time in its configuration by simply switching the position of diverter channels 12 , 19 , and achieving the synchronization of the plates and thus allowing the respective braiding, resuming at a high speed.
- This machine allows braiding threads alternating sections of round braiding and flat braiding which, as it has been explained, provides a very interesting product for high precision surgery stitching.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Braiding, Manufacturing Of Bobbin-Net Or Lace, And Manufacturing Of Nets By Knotting (AREA)
- Knitting Machines (AREA)
Abstract
Braiding machine comprising a series of plates arranged in a continuous manner in a closed circuit, each plate comprising a number of slots that accommodate a number of spindles with a guide; at least one drive means that drives the plates, guide channels where the spindle guides run and at least two diverter channels having two positions: a first position for continuous rotation in one same plate and a second position, for switching plates.
Description
- Braiding machine of the type comprising a series of plates arranged in a continuous order in a closed circuit, each plate comprising certain slots that accommodate spindles having a guide; at least a drive means for driving the plates; guide channels where the spindle guides run, and at least two diverter channels having two positions; a first one for continuous rotation by the same plate, and a second position for shifting the plate; characterized in that it comprises: a first group of plates having at least five plates, one of which plates is the driving plate, the first driving plate, arranged one after the other and defining two end plates, having at least four slots in each plate; a second group of plates having two plates, both driving plates, which are arranged after the two end plates, one for each end plate, having at least four slots and both plates, in the two plates; and a third group of plates having a plate that is arranged between the second driving plates, the third driving plate, which closes the circuit, and having at least two slots more than the plates in the second group of plates and, since the two diverter channels are located between the second group of plates and the third group of plates, they define a first operation position in which the third driving plate remains isolated from the circuit, and a second operation position in which the third driving plate is part of the circuit.
- Different thread braiding systems are known in the state of the art. A first system consists of production with machines that perform a round braiding with an even number of threads. These machines intertwine the threads in the coils by rotating the coils in one direction and rotating the coils in the opposite direction, thus forming what is known as a tubular braided structure. These braids are used for different purposes, for example, ropes for ships, for climbing, etc.
- The second system consists of machines that produce a flat braiding, with an odd number of threads. Thus, state of the art is Spanish Patent no 200002978 (ES2193817), “BRAIDING MACHINE”, of 2000, owned by AMERICAN METRIC CORPORATION, concerning a braiding machine formed by a supporting table mounting a plurality of individual segments forming a bed having substantially circular tracking groove. Each segment comprises a segment groove which comprises a pair of opposed transfer openings formed through the outer wall, with the transfer openings of adjacent segments being in contact forming the tracking groove as an endless ring. The size of the endless ring is determined by the number and size of the segments used. The tracking groove may be coated with a selected material other than the material forming the segment.
- The applicant company is the owner of Spanish Patent no 201531634 (ES2612143-WO2017081338) “BRAIDING MACHINE”, of 2015, which comprises supply means which move a number of plates on which spool-carrying mechanisms are disposed, and comprising at least one guide in the form of a figure of eight, inside which a guiding element belonging to the spool-carrying mechanism moves, and a first shaft connected to the supply means, belonging to the plate, and terminating at the top in a first pinion, to which at least one satellite pinion engages, which is in turn engaged with a second pinion belonging to the spool-carrying mechanism, wherein a rotation of the first shaft brings about the rotation of the first pinion, which blocks the satellite pinion, moving same and moves the spool-carrying mechanism according to the path of the guide, with the same face of the spool-carrying mechanism remaining facing a predetermined point of reference during the entire course of the guide.
- In addition, this document cites German Patents DE616856 and DE102009020053 as reference, which respectively protect two systems of exchange of spindles among plates, through guide lanes, both patents being now in the public domain.
- The present invention belongs to the field of braiding machines.
- The closest document is Spanish Patent no 200002978 (ES2193817). Such patent solves the problem of friction between drive gears. Yet, the patent has the problem, as all the machines existing at present in the market do, that in order to braid flat and round threads the machine has to be fully stopped and the machine become adapted by removing or adding plates. Consequently, it is not worth making a thread having one flat section, then a round section, then a flat one, then a round one, etc., because changing the configuration of the machine would be time consuming.
- This invention solves this problem by enabling the switch from flat braiding to round braiding and vice versa almost automatically, and within a few seconds, just the time needed to synchronize flat and round, and vice versa, thus avoiding thread splicing.
- This in turn makes the manufacturing of a thread with different types of braiding convenient, which is very useful for such fields as surgery, where it may be of interest for achieving high standard stitching.
- An object of the present invention is a braiding machine of the type comprising a series of plates arranged in a continuous manner in a closed circuit, each plate comprising a number of slots accommodating a number of spindles with a guide, at least one drive means for driving the plates, guide channels where the spindle guides run and at least two diverter channels having two positions, a first position for continuous rotation in one same plate and a second position, for switching plates; characterized in that it comprises: a first group of plates having at least five plates, where one of the plates is a driving plate, the first driving plate, arranged in a continuous manner and two end plates, having at least four slots in each plate, a second group of plates, having two plates, both of which are driving plates, second driving plates, which are located subsequent to the two end plates, one for each end plate, having at least four slots, in both plates and a third group of plates having one plate, fitted in between the second driving plates, driving plate, the third driving plate, closing the circuit, having at least two slots more than the plates of the first group, and because two diverter channels are located between the second and the third group of plates, they define a first operation position where the third driving plate is isolated from the circuit and a second operation position where the third driving plate is part of the circuit.
- In order to facilitate this explanation, the present description includes eight sheets with drawings representing a practical embodiment. Such embodiment is included by way of example, and shall not limit the scope of the present invention:
-
FIG. 1 is a general view of the object of the present invention showing a round braid configuration; -
FIG. 2 is a bottom view ofFIG. 1 , showing the engines and the gears; -
FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the present invention with a flat braiding configuration; -
FIG. 4 is an elevation view ofFIG. 3 , without the spindles; -
FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the present invention with a round braiding configuration; -
FIG. 6 is a detailed view of an example of diverter channels; -
FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the first driving plate having spindles and coils; and -
FIG. 8 is a schematic view of three positions with flat braiding. -
FIG. 1 shows anend plate 5,second driving plates third driving plate 8, drive means of afirst driving plate 13, drive means of thesecond driving plates third driving plate 16, drive means ofdiverter channels chassis 26. -
FIG. 2 includes a representation of the drive means of afirst driving plate 13, drive means ofsecond driving plates third driving plate 16, drive means ofdiverter channels chassis 26, afirst driving pinion 27, drivenpinions -
FIG. 3 shows first driving plate 1, drivenplates end plates 4,5 with theirrespective slots 9, all of which form the first group of plates,second driving plates third driving plate 8 with itsrespective slots 11 which forms the third group of plates, the first group ofplates spindles 20, the second group ofplates spindles 23 and switchingspindles -
FIG. 4 shows the first driving plate 1, drivenplates end plates 4, 5 with theirslots 9,second driving plates slots 10,third driving plate 8 with itsslots 11 and switchingspindles -
FIG. 5 shows first driving plate 1, drivenplates end plates 4, 5 with theirslots 9,second driving plates slots 10,third driving plate 8 with itsslots 11, first group ofplates spindles 20, second group ofplates spindles 23, third group ofplates spindles 32 and switchingspindles -
FIG. 6 showssecond driving plates third driving plate 8,diverter channels channels 22. -
FIG. 7 shows first driving plate 1,intersection channels 33, aspindle guide 21, first group of plates spindle 20 and guidechannels 22. - Last,
FIG. 8 shows the end plate with itsslots 9, which form the first group of plates,second driving plates slots 10 which form the second group of plates, second group of plates spindles 23y switching spindles - In a preliminary manner,
FIG. 6 illustrates the two positions of thediverter channels diverter channels FIG. 6 , that is, the diverter channels should not be each in its own operating position and both should be in the same operating position. In other words, for round braiding, the two diverter channels should be positioned as shown in thediverter channel 12, and for the flat braiding both diverter channels should be positioned as they are shown indiverter channel 19. - Thus, the braiding machine of the present invention is formed by a series of plates 1-8 that are arranged in a continuous manner, one after the other, forming a closed circuit.
- The plates 1-8
comprise slots 9, which is where thespindles 20 are accommodated with the braiding thread. - Each one of the
spindles 20 has aguide 21, which is arranged inside the guidingchannels 22, and theguides 21 move inside the guiding channels 22 (FIG. 7 ). - The invention comprises at least one drive means that drives the plates 1-8, and at least two
diverter channels - The positions are: a first position for continuous rotation of the spindle in one same plate and a second position, for the spindle to switch plates; that is, in the first position the spindle keeps rotating within a same plate and in the second position the spindle switches plate.
- The plates are grouped in three groups, having different purposes and different actions, according to whether the braiding is flat or round.
- The first group of plates is made up of a minimum number of five
plates plates end plates 4, 5.Plates end plates 4, 5, which are also driven plates. In addition,plates slots 9 in each ofplates - The second group of plates is made up of two
plates second driving plates end plates 4, 5, one for each end plate. The same as the plates of the first group, also the plates of the second group comprise at least fourslots 10, in bothplates - The last group of plates, the third group, is made up of just one plate, a driving plate, the
third driving plate 8, which is positioned in between thesecond driving plates - The
third driving plate 8 includes at least twoslots 11 more than the plates of the first group of plates. - In addition, the two
diverter channels third driving plate 8 is isolated from the circuit, consistently with the flat braiding and the position shown in thediverter channel 19, that is, it will not carry any spindles; and a second operation position wherein thethird driving plate 8 is part of the circuit, consistently with the round braiding, the diverter channel is positioned as shown in thediverter channel 12 and therefore conveys the spindles. - Optionally,
plates plates plate 8 of the third group of plates includes six slots. - Another configuration is possible wherein each driving
plate plate - As in the previous paragraph, the machine can be configured so that each
diverter channel diverter channels - The possibility has been provided that, when in the round braiding position, the
third driving plate 8 rotates at a lower speed than thesecond driving plates - In the configuration explained before, where
plates plates plate 8 of the third group of plates has six slots, it is provided that thethird driving plate 8 rotates at ⅔ the speed of the speed ofsecond driving plates - Similarly, the possibility is provided that in a flat braiding position, during rotation,
second driving plates spindle FIG. 8 ). - Similarly, in the flat braiding position,
second driving plates FIG. 8 . - Also in
FIG. 8 , in the flat braiding position, whensecond driving plates spindles 24 withend plates 4, 5 of the first group (FIG. 8A ), the plates keep moving forward by the effect of the inertia and then go back to receivespindle 25 from end plates 4, 5 (FIG. 8B ), whereasend plates 4, 5 continue in the same rotation direction and thesecond driving plates - Two configurations are possible as regards the third
flat plate 8 when in the flat braiding position: in a first configuration, thethird driving plate 8 does not rotate, is stopped while the other plates rotate, and in a second configuration thethird driving plate 8 rotates as an idle plate, that is, without intervening in the braiding. - Continuing with the examples, in yet another embodiment, both in the round braiding position and in the flat braiding position, seventeen spindles are included: 20, 23, 24, 25. As a result, a braiding machine can be configured so that eight spindles rotate in one direction and nine spindles rotate in the opposite direction. That is, even in round braiding, braids of an odd number of threads can be produced, whereas round braids are usually made only with an even number of threads.
- Differing from the machines known in the art, in this case the
third driving plate 8 can be configured so that the diameter of thethird driving plate 8 is the same as thesecond driving plates - To facilitate the braiding, both round and flat braiding, plates 1-8 are arranged in a circle. Thus, in a practical embodiment, the operator will firstly set the control panel (not shown, commonly known and not part of the claims hereof) according to the type of braiding the machine is to perform. If the operator choses a round braiding, as in
FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 , the process will be as follows: - The starting point is that plates 1-7 have four slots in each plate and six slots in the
third driving plate 8. The number ofslots 11 in thethird driving plate 8 may vary according to the number of slots in the remaining plates 1-7 and of the particular needs, but the minimum number of slots must be two more slots that in thesecond driving plates - The slot configuration also relates to the rotation speed of the
third driving plate 8 which, havingsecond driving plates third driving plates 8 with sixslots 11 each, that is in a ⅔ ratio, in turn defines that the rotation speed of thethird driving plate 8 is ⅔ the speed of thesecond driving plates second driving plates third driving plate 8. - In this way, the configuration of the round braiding in this embodiment includes eight plates. These eight plates include four driving plates, first driving plate 1, which drives the plates in the first group of plates by means of a gear system (
FIG. 2 ), andsecond driving plates third driving plate 8. - The closed circuit in this example, formed by eight plates 1-8, comprises seventeen
spindles - Still referring to round braiding, when first driving plate 1 rotates in one direction, the two driven
plates end plates 4, 5 rotate in the same direction as the first driving plate 1. - All the plates are connected by gears (
FIG. 2 ) that allow that when first driving plate 1 rotates, this makes all the plates to rotate by effect of the movement that thefirst driver pinion 27 connected to the first driving plate 1 generates when actuating the two drivenpinions plates plates 4, 5, which are made to rotate. -
Second driving plates - Similarly,
third driving plate 8 is neither geared tosecond driving plates second driving plates third driving plate 8 is not engaged. - Thus, when
spindle 24 from end plate 4 reaches theintersection channels 33,such spindle 24 switches plate, passes to thesecond driving plate 6 and stays therein until it reaches thediverter channel 12. - The
diverter channel 12 is in the switching position, so that thespindle 24 will stay in thethird driving plate 8 and then will continue to thesecond driving plate 7. - As third driving
plate 8 moves at a lower speed thansecond driving plates second driving plates plate 8 needs to have more slots 11 (⅓ more slots than the slots insecond driving plates 6, 7); consequently, if theslots 10 insecond driving plates slots 11 in thethird driving plate 8 would be six, if the speed ofsecond driving plates more spindles 32 in thethird driving plate 8 and being able to produce a round braiding. - If, for production needs, the operator should decide that the braiding should be flat, the operator could change the configuration and the machine would start synchronizing the spindles.
- In so doing, the
third driving plate 8, eject itsspindles 32 towards thesecond driving plates spindles 32. Once this is done, saidthird driving plate 8 may be stopped or set to an idle position, since saidthird driving plate 8 does not affect the braiding. - In addition, the two diverter channels change the configuration to the configuration shown in
FIG. 6 bearing reference number 19, so that the spindle will rotate and will not switch to thethird driving plate 8, but will continue to rotate around thesecond driving plates - The closed circuit in this configuration is made up of seven plates 1-7.
- Essentially, the spindle in a flat braiding would move in a similar manner as the round braiding until reaching
second driving plates - In the configurations for flat braiding known in the art, the last plates, in the spot where the
second driving plates - In order to be able to maintain the same number of spindles as in the round braiding without stopping the machine, the machine must be able to operate with two slots less than
second driving plates - The solution is provided in
FIG. 8 . Thespindle 24 ofsecond driving plate 7 is switched inslot 9 which is available at theend plate 5, leavingslot 10 in thesecond driving plate 7 unengaged (FIG. 8A ). - At the same time, the
end plate 5 maintains the same speed and has onespindle 25 to switch with thesecond driving plate 7 which; ifend plate 5 continues rotating,spindle 23 of thesecond driving plate 7 would facespindle 25 of end plate 5 (FIG. 8B ). - In order to use
free slot 10,second driving plate 7 must stop and go backwards until makingfree slot 10 match the moment in which spindle 25 fromend plate 5 is switched to second driving plate 7 (FIG. 8C ). - Continuity is achieved in this way, allowing using plates that have the same number of slots for all plates, when performing the flat braiding.
- Thus, a same machine may be used for both flat braiding and round braiding or vice versa, without the need to stop the machine and waste time in its configuration by simply switching the position of
diverter channels - This machine allows braiding threads alternating sections of round braiding and flat braiding which, as it has been explained, provides a very interesting product for high precision surgery stitching.
- This invention describes a new braiding machine. The examples provided herein are not limitative of the present invention and shall therefore have different applications and/or adaptations, all of which within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (21)
1. A braiding machine of the type comprising a series of plates (1-8) arranged in a continuous manner in a closed circuit, each plate comprising a number of slots (9), that accommodate spindles (20) having a guide (21), at least one drive means that drives the plates (1-8), guide channels (22) wherein the spindle guides (21) run and at least two diverter channels (12, 19) having two positions, a first position for continuous rotation of the spindle in one same plate and a second position for the spindle to switch the plate, characterized in that the braiding machine further comprises:
a first group of plates having at least five plates (1, 3, 4, 5), where one of the plates is a driving plate, first driving plate (1); these plates are arranged in a continuous manner and define two end plates (4, 5), having at least four slots (9) in each plate (1, 2, 3, 4, 5);
a second group of plates, having two plates (6, 7), both of which are driving plates, second driving plates (6, 7), which are located subsequent to the two end plates (4, 5), one for each end plate, having at least four slots (10), in the two plates (6, 7) and
a third group of plates having one driving plate (8), located in between the second driving plates (6, 7), third driving plate (8) closing the circuit and having at least two slots (11) more than the plates in the first group;
and in having two diverter channels (12, 19) located between the second and the third group of plates, defining a first operation position wherein the third driving plate (8) is isolated from the circuit and a second operation position wherein the third driving plate (8) is part of the circuit.
2. The machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that plates (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) of the first group of plates and plates (6, 7) of the second group of plates have four slots, and plate (8) of the third group of plates has six slots.
3. The machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that each driving plate (1, 6, 7, 8) has an independent drive means (13, 14, 15, 16).
4. The machine according to claim characterized in that each diverter channel (12, 19) comprises an un independent drive means (17, 18) that drives it between the first operation position and the second operation position, and vice versa.
5. The machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that, when in the second operation position, the third driving plate (8) rotates at a lower speed than the speed of the second driving plates (6, 7) and the speed of the first driving plate (1).
6. The machine according to claim 2 , characterized in that the third driving plate (8) rotates at ⅔ the speed of the second driving plates (6, 7).
7. The machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that, when in the first operation position, the second driving plates (6, 7) when rotating, comprise a spindle (23, 24) in each slot (10) at a given time.
8. The machine according to claim 7 , characterized in that the second driving plates (6, 7) have a forwards and backwards movement.
9. The machine according to claim 8 , characterized in that when in the first operation position, when second driving plates (6, 7) exchange one of their spindles (24) with end plates (4, 5) of the first group, the second driving plates (6, 7) then go backwards to receive the spindle (25) from end plates (4, 5), and end plates (4, 5) maintain their rotating direction while the second driving plates (6, 7) shift the direction and move backwards.
10. The machine according to claim 9 , characterized in that, when in the first operation position, third driving plate (8) does not rotate.
11. The machine according to claim 9 , characterized in that, when in the first operation position, third driving plate (8) rotates in an idle mode.
12. The machine according to claim 2 , characterized in that, both in the first operation position and in the second operation position, the machine comprises seventeen spindles (20, 23, 24, 25).
13. The machine according to claim 12 , characterized in that eight spindles rotate in one direction and nine spindles rotate in the opposite direction.
14. The machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that the diameter of the third driving plate (8) is the same diameter as the second driving plates (6, 7) and as the plates of the first group (1-5).
15. The machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that the arrangement of the plates (1-8) is circular.
16. The machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that each driving plate (1, 6, 7, 8) has an independent drive means (13, 14, 15, 16).
16. The machine according to claim 2 , characterized in that each driving plate (1, 6, 7, 8) has an independent drive means (13, 14, 15, 16).
17. The machine according to claim 16 , characterized in that each diverter channel (12, 19) comprises an un independent drive means (17, 18) that drives it between the first operation position and the second operation position, and vice versa.
18. The machine according to claim 5 , characterized in that the third driving plate (8) rotates at ⅔ the speed of the second driving plates (6, 7).
19. The machine according to claim 9 , characterized in that, both in the first operation position and in the second operation position, the machine comprises seventeen spindles (20, 23, 24, 25).
20. The machine according to claim 19 , characterized in that eight spindles rotate in one direction and nine spindles rotate in the opposite direction.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/ES2019/070418 WO2020249832A1 (en) | 2019-06-14 | 2019-06-14 | Braiding machine |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20220162783A1 true US20220162783A1 (en) | 2022-05-26 |
Family
ID=67777347
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/611,624 Abandoned US20220162783A1 (en) | 2019-06-14 | 2019-06-14 | Braiding machine |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20220162783A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3985152B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN113994039B (en) |
ES (1) | ES2956091T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020249832A1 (en) |
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US20130167710A1 (en) * | 2008-01-08 | 2013-07-04 | Triaxial Structures, Inc. | Machine for alternating tubular and flat braid sections and method of using the machine |
US20190380708A1 (en) * | 2013-04-12 | 2019-12-19 | EverestMedica LLC | Method of making a surgical braid |
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GB555714A (en) * | 1942-07-27 | 1943-09-03 | Shepshed Lace Mfg Company Ltd | Improvements in and relating to circular braiding machines |
GB611071A (en) * | 1946-01-15 | 1948-10-25 | Hobourn Aero Components Ltd | Improvements in braiding machines |
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US9920462B2 (en) * | 2015-08-07 | 2018-03-20 | Nike, Inc. | Braiding machine with multiple rings of spools |
ES2612143B1 (en) | 2015-11-11 | 2018-01-17 | Talleres Ratera, S.A. | Braiding machine |
JP6896431B2 (en) * | 2017-01-10 | 2021-06-30 | 株式会社Screenホールディングス | Granules, readers, and printers |
JP3211224U (en) * | 2017-04-17 | 2017-06-29 | 明正 陳 | Braid forming machine that can change braid density |
CN208933616U (en) * | 2018-08-09 | 2019-06-04 | 成都海蓉特种纺织品有限公司 | Braiding machine and its line device |
-
2019
- 2019-06-14 ES ES19759630T patent/ES2956091T3/en active Active
- 2019-06-14 WO PCT/ES2019/070418 patent/WO2020249832A1/en active Application Filing
- 2019-06-14 US US17/611,624 patent/US20220162783A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2019-06-14 CN CN201980097512.5A patent/CN113994039B/en active Active
- 2019-06-14 EP EP19759630.7A patent/EP3985152B1/en active Active
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US810056A (en) * | 1905-02-18 | 1906-01-16 | Textile Machine Works | Braiding-machine. |
US979502A (en) * | 1910-02-14 | 1910-12-27 | Textile Machine Works | Braiding-machine. |
US2148164A (en) * | 1938-03-23 | 1939-02-21 | American Cystoscope Makers Inc | Braiding machine |
US2879687A (en) * | 1954-06-09 | 1959-03-31 | Leimbach Johann | Braiding process and apparatus |
US8347772B2 (en) * | 2008-01-08 | 2013-01-08 | Triaxial Structures, Inc. | Machine for alternating tubular and flat braid sections and method of using the machine |
US20130167710A1 (en) * | 2008-01-08 | 2013-07-04 | Triaxial Structures, Inc. | Machine for alternating tubular and flat braid sections and method of using the machine |
US20190380708A1 (en) * | 2013-04-12 | 2019-12-19 | EverestMedica LLC | Method of making a surgical braid |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN113994039B (en) | 2023-07-25 |
EP3985152A1 (en) | 2022-04-20 |
EP3985152B1 (en) | 2023-07-12 |
ES2956091T3 (en) | 2023-12-13 |
CN113994039A (en) | 2022-01-28 |
EP3985152C0 (en) | 2023-07-12 |
WO2020249832A1 (en) | 2020-12-17 |
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