WO2008018438A1

WO2008018438A1 - Three-dimensional weaving device and three-dimensional weaving method

Info

Publication number: WO2008018438A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/065411
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masaki Hojo; Taiji Adachi; Chiaki Hiwa; Shunsuke Baba; Takeomi Inoue; Toshiyuki Imoto; Nobuo Tanaka
Original assignee: Japan Science And Technology Agency; National University Corporation Kyoto University; National University Corporation Kobe University; Arblast Co., Ltd.; Imoto Machinery Co., Ltd.; The New Industry Research Organization
Priority date: 2006-08-07
Filing date: 2007-08-07
Publication date: 2008-02-14
Also published as: JPWO2008018438A1

Abstract

A device and a method for weaving an arbitrary shape conforming to a lost portion efficiently at a fiber interval suitable for cell growth in order apply to the scaffold material of a cell. More specifically, a plurality of pipes capable of passing a warp therethrough and juxtaposed in the Z direction are arranged on a weaving base in parallel with the XY direction. A weaving head moves through the gap between the pipes while feeding weft and forms an arbitrary thread feed pattern by hooking the weft onto the pipe. Layer pitch is adjusted in the Z direction by reciprocating a presser head provided with a large number of guide holes for inserting the pipes appropriately in the warp direction. A three-dimensional woven fabric is woven by laminating the wefts in multilayers in the Z direction, the pipe is drawn out from the weaving base and the warp is passed through the texture of the weft. Density of the woven fabric is controlled depending on the part by altering the thread feed pattern at a predetermined layer. Furthermore, shape of the woven fabric is controlled by controlling the weaving head to limit and select a pipe for hooking the weft from an arranged pipe group and forming a thread feed pattern.

Description

Specification

3D weaving apparatus and 3D weaving method

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional fabric. In particular, the present invention relates to a three-dimensional weaving apparatus and a three-dimensional weaving method for weaving fibers in a plane formed in the X direction and Y direction orthogonal to each other and in a z direction orthogonal to the plane.

Background art

[0002] Conventionally, three-dimensional woven fabrics have been used as clothing, decorative articles, bag materials, and the like, as well as reinforcing materials for concrete structures and industrial reinforcing materials for aircraft composite members.

Various applications have been filed for manufacturing apparatuses and manufacturing methods of such three-dimensional fabrics as industrial reinforcing materials (see, for example, patent documents;! To 2).

These technologies aim to efficiently produce a three-dimensional woven fabric that is dimensionally larger and can be increased in density to be used as a reinforcing material for concrete structures or a composite material for aircraft. .

[0003] For example, the three-dimensional weaving method disclosed in Patent Document 1 holds warp rod groups arranged in parallel, and a plurality of weft rods are arranged in a plurality of different directions between the rods. From the rod type 3D woven weaving method, which is inserted sequentially, a plurality of rod pushing mechanisms are shifted in the weaving direction so that the inserting rods do not interfere with each other, and these rod pushing mechanisms The weft rod is inserted.

[0004] Further, in the method for weaving a three-dimensional fabric disclosed in Patent Document 2, a plurality of knitting needles are arranged in the X and Y directions, and an X yarn is appropriately placed between the knitting needles in the X direction. Pass through the zigzag shifted in the Y direction from the start to the end, and in the following process, return the X yarn in the X direction to the zigzag shifted in the Y direction as appropriate from the end of the knitting needle to the start, and then in the Y direction. The yarn is threaded in the Y direction in the same manner as in the X direction, and a single layer of the X and Y yarns is woven, and this series of steps is repeated to form a multi-layered X yarn in the Z direction. X yarns that are orthogonal to each other by laminating woven fabrics composed of Y yarns and weaving them into a three-dimensional woven fabric of the desired thickness, and then pulling the knitting needles in the direction perpendicular to the woven fabric by holding the z yarns. By Y thread, Z thread A three-dimensional fabric is woven.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-33241

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-129449

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] In recent years, three-dimensional woven fabrics are used as a scaffold material for tissue regeneration suitable for bone and tissue defects in addition to the industrial uses as described above. This is because when a defect occurs in a part of bone or tissue due to an accident or illness, if the defect becomes large, it may not be repaired by natural healing power. In such a case, stem cells that are undifferentiated cells The three-dimensional fabric is used as a scaffold material for inducing tissue regeneration.

[0007] When a large defect occurs in a living tissue, the defect is generally compensated by scar-like collagen tissue. In a tissue defect occupied by scar tissue, it is impossible to expect regeneration of the original living tissue. Therefore, it is necessary to secure a regeneration space in the defect part in advance so that the defect part is not occupied by scar tissue, and to create a place in the defect part to support cell differentiation and proliferation. To create this field, cell scaffolding materials are necessary.

[0008] In order to be used as a scaffold material for such cells, it is necessary that the three-dimensional fabric can be woven into an arbitrary three-dimensional shape compatible with the defect. It is also necessary to control the density of the three-dimensional fabric depending on the region. This is a fiber spacing suitable for cell differentiation and proliferation, creating an environment suitable for uniform and high density seeding and growth of cells, and increasing rigidity to support the load from around the defect. Because. When emphasis is placed on stiffness as well as invasiveness of cells, sparse fiber spacing and dense fiber spacing are controlled by the three-dimensional fabric part.

[0009] In addition, from the previous research, it has been found that cells grow well at the intersections of three-dimensional fabrics as cell scaffolding materials. Therefore, the three-dimensional woven fabric used as a cell scaffolding material has a degree of freedom such as tangling the weft fibers in a zigzag or s-shape to the warp fibers so that the intersection of the fabric fibers increases. High yarn feed pattern It is desirable to produce it.

[0010] In order to weave such a three-dimensional fabric used as a scaffold material for cells, it is necessary to control the shape and density of the three-dimensional fabric. In the following, it will be verified whether it is possible to control the shape and density of the three-dimensional fabric using the techniques disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2!

[0011] In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, as described above, a longitudinal rod group arranged in a parallel state is held, and a multidirectional weft rod is inserted from a plurality of different directions between the rods. It is based on a rod-type three-dimensional woven weaving method that sequentially inserts, and a mesh layer of weft fibers is stacked in the warp direction.

However, it is difficult to control the density of the three-dimensional woven fabric because the weft direction fibers cannot be entangled with the warp direction rod group, and the yarn feeding pattern is limited. In addition, it is difficult to select a specific warp rod from the warp rod group and entangle the fibers, and it is difficult to fabricate an arbitrary three-dimensional fabric shape.

[0012] In addition, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, as described above, a plurality of knitting needles are arranged in the warp direction, and an X yarn is appropriately placed in the X direction between the knitting needles in the Y direction. Thread the zigzag that is displaced in the direction from the start to the end, and return the X yarn in the X direction to the zigzag that is displaced in the Y direction at the knitting needle from the end to the start, as well as the Y direction. After weaving one layer of fabric, and repeating this, we layered the fabric of X and Y yarns in multiple layers in the Z direction, and in the direction perpendicular to the fabric weaved by holding the Z yarn on each knitting needle It will be pulled out.

However, the yarn cannot be fed in an oblique direction such as the diagonal direction of the XY plane, and the yarn feeding pattern is limited. In addition, it is difficult to select the warp direction knitting needles and entangle the X and Y yarns, and it is difficult to produce an arbitrary three-dimensional fabric shape.

[0013] While the existing three-dimensional weaving apparatus aims to efficiently weave a certain shape with limited use and dense fiber intervals to obtain high strength, the three-dimensional weaving of the present invention The problem to be solved by the device and the three-dimensional weaving method is that any shape that fits the defect can be efficiently woven with a fiber spacing suitable for cell growth so that it can be applied to cell scaffold materials ( It is to provide a three-dimensional weaving apparatus or the like capable of controlling the density. Means for solving the problem

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, the three-dimensional weaving device according to claim 1 of the present invention is characterized in that the fiber is three-dimensionally in the plane formed in the X direction and the Y direction and in the Z direction perpendicular to the plane. A device that weaves and

1) Pipes juxtaposed in the Z direction that can thread warps inside,

2) a woven base having a plurality of the pipes arranged in parallel in the XY direction in plan view;

3) a weaving head capable of delivering weft,

4) Weaving head driving means capable of moving the weaving head on the weaving base at least on the XY plane;

5) a presser head having a large number of guide holes through which the pipe passes;

6) Presser head driving means capable of reciprocating the presser head in the warp direction;

7) A pipe pulling means capable of pulling out the pipe from the woven base and allowing the warp to pass through the weft weave;

It is characterized by having comprised.

[0015] With the above-described configuration, the weaving head moves the gap between the pipes on the weaving base while sending the wefts, and applies the wefts to the pipes to form an arbitrary yarn feeding pattern. A three-dimensional woven fabric can be produced by adjusting the layer pitch in the Z direction by reciprocating, laminating wefts in multiple layers in the Z direction, pulling out the pipes from the woven base, and passing the warp through the weft weaves. By moving the weaving head through the gap between the pipes on the weaving base, wefts can be entangled with the pipes to form an arbitrary yarn feed pattern, and the pipes can be selected to entangle the wefts. Further, the layer pitch in the Z direction can be adjusted by appropriately reciprocating the presser head in the warp direction. As a result, the shape of an arbitrary three-dimensional woven fabric can be efficiently woven, and the fibers can be woven (control the density) at a fiber interval suitable for cell growth.

[0016] Here, the weaving head driving means is capable of moving the weaving head on the weaving base at least on the XY plane. This is because the weft yarn can be entangled with the pipe by moving the tip of the woven base in the X direction and / or the Y direction near the upper end of the pipe aligned on the woven base.

[0017] The pipe pulling means for pulling the pipe from the woven base pulls the pipe one by one. Or you can pull out all the pipes at once, or for every single row (for example, one row in the X direction or one row in the Y direction).

[0018] The three-dimensional weaving apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention is an apparatus for three-dimensionally weaving fibers in a plane formed in the X direction and the Y direction and in a Z direction perpendicular to the plane. Because

1) a rod arranged in parallel in the Z direction having means capable of gripping warp at one end;

2) a woven base having a plurality of rods arranged in parallel in the XY direction in plan view;

3) a weaving head capable of delivering weft,

5) a presser head having a number of guide holes through which the rod passes,

7) Rod pulling means for pulling out the rod from the woven base and allowing warp to pass through the weft weave;

It is characterized by having comprised.

[0019] With the above-described configuration, the weft head is moved while moving the weft, the gap between the rods on the weaving base is moved to form an arbitrary yarn feed pattern, and the presser head is appropriately reciprocated in the warp direction. By adjusting the layer pitch in the Z direction, weft layers can be laminated in the Z direction, the weaving base force, the rod can be pulled out, and the warp can be passed through the weft weave. When the weaving head moves through the gap between the rods on the weaving base, wefts can be entangled with the rods to form an arbitrary yarn feed pattern, and the rod can be selected and entangled with the wefts. Also, the layer pitch in the Z direction can be adjusted by reciprocating the presser head appropriately in the warp direction.

As a result, the shape of an arbitrary three-dimensional woven fabric can be efficiently woven, and the fibers can be woven (control the density) at a fiber interval suitable for cell growth.

[0020] Here, the rod may be a pipe or a knitting needle as long as it has a means capable of gripping the warp at one end. Further, the means capable of gripping the warp at one end is, for example, a hook that can lock the thread.

[0021] Here, the weaving head driving means moves the weaving head at least on the XY plane on the weaving base. You are going to be able to do it. This means that the weft can be entangled with the rod by moving the tip of the woven base in the X direction and / or the Y direction near the upper end of the rod aligned on the woven base.

[0022] Further, the three-dimensional weaving apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention is the three-dimensional weaving apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weaving base is arranged on a turntable having a rotation axis in the warp direction. The woven base is configured to move by rotating the turntable.

[0023] With the above configuration, the alignment direction of the pipes or rods on the woven base can be changed relative to the driving shaft of the driving means of the woven head. For example, when the turntable is rotated 90 degrees, the X direction changes to the Y direction and the Y direction changes to the X direction, so the pipes or rods arranged in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis of the woven head drive means are driven. It will line up on the extension of the shaft. In addition, when the turntable is rotated 45 degrees, a line of pipes or rods located on the diagonal line of the XY plane will line up on the extension of the drive shaft.

Thus, by arranging the woven base on the turntable and rotating the turntable, the direction of the woven head can be changed efficiently. Therefore, an arbitrary yarn feeding pattern can be easily produced. In addition, since there is no need for multi-directional drive axes on the XY plane, there is an advantage that the device can be simplified.

[0024] The three-dimensional weaving device according to claim 4 of the present invention is the three-dimensional weaving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the presser rod that presses back the weft and the presser on the woven base. A press rod driving means that can insert the tip of the rod into a pipe or a gap between the rods is further provided.

[0025] With the above configuration, when the weft base is moved around the upper end of the pipe or rod arranged in alignment on the woven base and the weft is entangled with the pipe or rod, the end of the presser rod Is inserted into the gap between the pipe or the rod on the woven base, so that the weft can be prevented from being folded.

As a result, it is possible to prevent excessive tension from being applied to the pipe at the turn-back point, and to feed the yarn more smoothly and efficiently.

[0026] A three-dimensional weaving device according to claim 5 of the present invention is according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The woven head of the three-dimensional weaving apparatus is characterized by further comprising tension control means for controlling the tension of the weft to be sent out.

[0027] With the above configuration, even when weaving using low-strength fibers, it is possible to control the tension and avoid applying excessive tension to the fibers. Here, the tension control means, for example, adjusts the tension of the yarn coming out of the weaving head by flowing compressed air from a yarn unwinding device to a tube connecting the tip of the weaving head that sends out the yarn. is there.

[0028] The three-dimensional weaving device according to claim 6 of the present invention is the three-dimensional weaving device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tip rod of the weaving head is arranged in parallel with the pipe or the rod. The gap between the pipes or rods can be moved without interference by the weaving head driving means.

[0029] The tip of the weaving head is formed in a rod shape, arranged in parallel with the pipe or rod arranged on the weaving base, and along the trajectory of the yarn feed pattern, the pipe or The yarn feeding pattern is formed by being able to move the gap between the rods. The weaving head is located near the upper end of the pipe or rod on the weaving base using the weaving head driving means, and the rod at the tip of the weaving head is placed downward in parallel to the Z direction. The gap of the pipe or rod is moved along the trajectory of the yarn feed pattern.

[0030] The three-dimensional weaving device according to claim 7 of the present invention is similar to the three-dimensional weaving device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the weaving head driving means is connected to the sequence control device. The movement sequence of the weaving head is characterized in that it is configured to be performed by an input / output signal to / from the sequence control device.

[0031] With the above configuration, the weaving head can store and control a sequence such as a route and an order of movement of a gap such as a pipe along the trajectory of the yarn feed pattern.

[0032] The three-dimensional weaving apparatus according to claim 8 of the present invention is preferably such that the pipe or the rod is made of stainless steel in the three-dimensional weaving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. This takes into account the slipperiness of the thread entangled with the pipe when pulling it out of the woven base. It also considers corrosion and durability.

[0033] Next, the three-dimensional weaving method according to claim 9 of the present invention is a three-dimensional weaving method in which a predetermined number of yarn layers formed with a predetermined yarn feeding pattern are stacked, and the yarn feeding pattern Where It is characterized in that the density of the three-dimensional fabric can be controlled by the region by changing the pattern with a fixed yarn layer.

[0034] By changing the yarn feeding pattern with a predetermined yarn layer, the density of the three-dimensional fabric can be controlled by the position. For example, if the weft yarn is entangled with the warp yarn in a zigzag or S-shaped yarn feed pattern, a three-dimensional woven fabric having a high rigidity and a stable woven structure can be produced, while the weft yarn is used as a warp yarn. When a linear thread feed pattern is passed through the gap, a three-dimensional fabric having a weak rigidity and an unstable woven structure can be produced. In addition, the part of the three-dimensional woven three-dimensional shape that is the force of force from the outside or the outside is woven with a high-rigidity and stable yarn feed pattern of the woven structure, and the part of the shape that is not affected by the force of the force inside the form is woven. It is also possible to weave with a yarn feed pattern with low rigidity.

[0035] Next, the three-dimensional weaving method according to claim 10 of the present invention is a method in which fibers are three-dimensionally woven in a plane formed in the X direction and the Y direction and in a Z direction perpendicular to the plane. Therefore, a plurality of pipes arranged in parallel in the Z direction that can pass the warp inside are arranged in parallel in the XY direction on the weaving base, and the weaving head moves through the gap of the pipe while sending the weft. Apply a weft to the pipe to form an arbitrary thread feed pattern, and adjust the layer pitch in the Z direction by reciprocating the presser head with a number of guide holes through which the pipe is threaded. It is characterized by weaving a three-dimensional fabric by laminating wefts in multiple directions, pulling out a pipe from the woven base, and passing the warp through the weft weave.

As a result, the shape of an arbitrary three-dimensional woven fabric can be efficiently woven, and the fibers can be woven (the density can be controlled) with a fiber spacing suitable for cell growth.

[0036] The three-dimensional weaving method according to claim 11 of the present invention is a method in which fibers are three-dimensionally woven in an in-plane formed in the X direction and the Y direction and in a z direction perpendicular to the plane. Therefore, a plurality of rods juxtaposed in the z direction and having means capable of gripping the warp yarn at one end are aligned and arranged in parallel in the XY direction on the woven base, and the weaving head sends the weft to the gap between the rods. The weft thread is applied to the rod to form an arbitrary yarn feed pattern, and the presser head having a number of guide holes through which the z-direction rod passes is appropriately reciprocated in the warp direction. By adjusting the layer pitch in the Z direction and laminating wefts in multiple layers in the Z direction, weaving a three-dimensional woven fabric, pulling out the rod from the woven base, and passing the warp through the weft weft It is characterized by that.

[0037] Further, the three-dimensional weaving method according to claim 12 of the present invention is the three-dimensional weaving method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the weaving base is rotated and moved after weaving each layer. To do.

As a result, an arbitrary yarn feed pattern can be constructed by efficiently driving the weaving head.

[0038] Further, the three-dimensional weaving method according to claim 13 of the present invention is the three-dimensional weaving method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the tip of the presser rod that holds back the weft yarn is pressed or It is characterized by being inserted into the gap of the rod.

As a result, it is possible to avoid excessive tension from being applied to the pipe at the turn-back point and to feed the yarn more smoothly and efficiently.

[0039] Further, the three-dimensional weaving method according to claim 14 of the present invention is the three-dimensional weaving method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the yarn feed pattern is changed by a predetermined layer. Thus, the density of the three-dimensional fabric can be controlled by the region.

By changing the yarn feed pattern in a predetermined layer, the density of the three-dimensional fabric can be controlled by the region.

[0040] Further, the three-dimensional weaving method according to claim 15 of the present invention is the three-dimensional weaving method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the pipe or the rod to which the weft is applied is selectively limited. It is characterized in that the shape of the three-dimensional fabric can be controlled by forming a yarn feed pattern.

[0041] By controlling the weaving head to selectively limit the pipes to which wefts are arranged from a group of arranged pipes and the like to form a yarn feed pattern, for example, not only a rectangular body but also a circular column Bodies, cones, cylinders, triangular prisms, triangular bodies, solid fabrics with cavities inside, etc. can be made.

The invention's effect

[0042] The three-dimensional weaving apparatus and the three-dimensional weaving method of the present invention can be applied to a cell scaffold material. As described above, any shape that fits the defect can be efficiently woven, and can be woven (control the density) with a fiber spacing suitable for cell growth.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0043] Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Example 1

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of the first embodiment.

The three-dimensional weaving apparatus of Example 1 has a pipe 11 arranged side by side in a machine base (not shown) in a direction in which the warp can be threaded, and the pipe 11 in a plan view! A plurality of woven bases 12 arranged in parallel to each other, a woven head 13 capable of delivering wefts, and a woven head driving means 14 capable of moving the woven head 13 on the woven base 12 at least in the XY plane, The presser head 15 with a number of guide holes through which the pipe 11 is threaded, the presser head drive means 16 that can reciprocate the presser head 15 in the warp direction, and the pipe 11 is pulled out from the woven base 12, and the warp is wefted. A pipe drawing means (not shown) that can be passed through the weave, a yarn unwinding device 17 for supplying the yarn to the weaving head 13, a tension control means 18 for controlling the tension of the weft to be sent, and each driving means. A control circuit (not shown), and a power supply circuit (not shown) for supplying power Consists of

Here, the pipes 11 are stainless steel metal tubes having an inner diameter of ¾ mm, and are arranged on the woven base 12 at 8 mm IJ in the X direction and 8 rows in the Y direction at a pitch of 1.5 mm.

Further, the front end portion 13a of the woven head 13 that can send out the weft moves in the vicinity of the upper end of the pipes 11 arranged in an aligned manner. The weaving head driving means 14 includes a weaving head X-direction driving device 14a and a weaving head Y-direction driving device 14b. These drives can be moved in the X or Y direction by, for example, a feed screw screwed into the frame of the drive device.

[0046] Reciprocating in the longitudinal direction through the presser head 15 provided with a number of guide holes through which the pipe 11 passes.

With the presser head driving means 16 that can move up and down, the force S can be obtained by aligning the wefts tangled in the pipe 11 in the Z direction. By controlling the presser head 15 to reciprocate (elevate) in the warp direction, it is possible to adjust the layer pitch of the fabric layer woven with weft.

The presser head driving means 16 includes a weaving head X-direction driving device 14a and a weaving head Y-direction driving device. Similar to 14b, the drive can be reciprocated (lifted) in the Z direction by, for example, a feed screw screwed into the frame of the drive device.

[0047] In addition, a pipe drawing means that pulls out the pipe 11 from the woven base 12 and allows the warp to pass through the weft weave has a drawing unit (not shown) in the space above the pipe 11 and is locked to the pipe 11 near the upper end. A pull-out unit is configured to be provided with a groove and to be pulled out by engaging with the locking groove. The presser head 15 may function as a pulling unit! /.

Next, the operation of the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of Example 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 2 shows the action of tangling the weft yarns on the pipes aligned on the weaving head. Figure 2 schematically shows the front view of the woven base. First, as shown in FIG. 2 (1), the weaving head 13 moves from the right start point to the left end point in the X direction when viewed from the front, and wefts are applied to the eight pipes 11. At this time, the yarn feeding pattern is applied to the zigzag that is shifted for each pipe 11. Yarn feeding with a zigzag pattern is realized by shifting the weaving head 13 by a predetermined distance in the Y direction each time the weaving head 13 is moved by a predetermined distance in the X direction. Similarly, the other yarn feeding patterns can be made by moving the weaving head in the XY plane using the weaving head X-direction drive device 14a and the weaving head Y-direction drive device 14b.

In FIG. 2 (2), the presser head 15 is lowered in the warp direction, and the positions of the wefts in the Z direction are aligned.

Fig. 2 (3) shows the state of the first layer of force S. When layers weaved with wefts are stacked, this work will result in a fabric woven with wefts. It is possible to adjust the layer pitch of the layers.

[0050] Next, as shown in Fig. 2 (4), the weaving head 13 moves in the X direction from the front end force on the left side to the start point on the right side as seen from the front. Wefts are being applied. The yarn feed pattern is zigzag shifted for each pipe 11.

Then, as shown in FIG. 2 (5), press with the presser head 15. When the desired yarn feed pattern is applied (Fig. 2 (6), (7)) and the first layer weaving is completed, the second layer weaving operation, Weaving work for the layer, ..., weaving work for the nth layer. After obtaining such work, pull out the pipe 11 from the woven base 12 and use the weft weft as the weft. To complete the three-dimensional fabric.

FIG. 3 shows various yarn feeding patterns. Figure 3 shows a plan view of the woven base. What is shown here is an example of force. Various yarn feeding patterns are used for each layer to control the density. In addition, the three-dimensional shape is controlled by weaving the rod 11 by using only a part of the rods that do not necessarily need to be used entirely. Figure 4 shows an example of a triangular weaving pattern with diagonal line feed. As shown in Fig. 4 (;!) To (6), the thread is fed in the diagonal direction of the arrangement of rods 11 and a part of the rods in the lower right region of the diagonal line as viewed from the front of Fig. 4 is used. , Weaving in a triangular shape. By laminating this triangular weave, a triangular prism three-dimensional fabric can be produced.

Similarly, a hollow cylindrical body can be produced by laminating doughnut-shaped weaving, for example, by using some rods. This can be applied to a neuroreactor (a device that synthesizes and decomposes substances using biocatalysts such as microorganisms and enzymes) and a cell culture device.

Example 2

[0052] Next, a three-dimensional weaving apparatus of Example 2 will be described. The three-dimensional weaving apparatus according to the second embodiment has a configuration in which the weaving base is disposed on a turn table having a rotation axis in the warp direction in addition to the configuration of the three-dimensional weaving apparatus according to the first embodiment! .

FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of the second embodiment.

Similar to the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of the first embodiment, the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of the second embodiment has a pipe 11 arranged in parallel with the machine table (not shown) in the Z direction so that warps can be threaded inside, and a pipe 11 11 in plan view! / Woven base 12 arranged in parallel in the XY direction, woven head 13 capable of delivering weft, and woven head 13 on woven base 12 at least XY Woven head drive means 14 that can move on a plane, presser head 15 having a number of guide holes through which the pipe 11 passes, and presser head drive means that can reciprocate the presser head 15 in the longitudinal direction. 16, pipe pull-out means (not shown) that pulls pipe 11 from woven base 12 and allows warp to pass through weft weave, yarn unwinding device 17 that supplies yarn to woven head 13, and each drive means And a control circuit (not shown) for supplying power and a power supply circuit (not shown) for supplying power.

The three-dimensional weaving apparatus of Example 2 has a rotating shaft in the warp direction in addition to the above configuration. The turntable 21 is provided, and the woven base 12 is disposed on the turntable 21. Then, after weaving each layer, the turntable 21 is rotationally driven to rotate and move the woven base 12.

[0053] Next, the operation of the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of Example 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows an operation in which the wefts are entangled with the pipes aligned on the weaving head in the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of the second embodiment. First, as shown in FIG. 6 (1), the weaving head 13 is moved from the start point on the right side to the end point on the left side when viewed from the front, and the wefts are applied to the eight pipes 11.

In FIG. 6 (2), the presser head 15 is lowered in the warp direction, and the positions of the wefts in the Z direction are aligned.

Fig. 6 (3) shows the state of the first layer of force S. When layers weaved with wefts are stacked, this work will result in a fabric woven with wefts. It is possible to adjust the layer pitch of the layers.

[0055] Next, as shown in Fig. 6 (4), the weaving head 13 moves in the X direction from the front end force on the left side to the start point on the right side when viewed from the front, Wefts are being applied. The yarn feed pattern is zigzag shifted for each pipe 11.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6 (5), press with the presser head 15. When the desired yarn feed pattern is applied (Figs. 6 (6) and (7)) and weaving of the first layer is completed, the weave base 12 is rotated 90 degrees as shown in Fig. 6 (8). Then, weave the second layer with a gap in the Z direction. Then, weaving work for the third layer, ..., weaving work for the nth layer. In the laminating process, the woven base 12 is rotated using the turntable 21 to change the direction of yarn feeding, thereby completing a highly rigid three-dimensional fabric. Finally, the pipe 11 is pulled out from the woven base 12, and the warp yarn is passed through the weft weave to complete the three-dimensional woven fabric. Example 3

[0056] Next, the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of Example 3 will be described. In addition to the configuration of the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of Example 2, the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of Example 3 inserts the presser rod that presses back the weft and the tip of the presser rod into the gap of the pipe on the weaving base. And a presser rod drive means to be obtained.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of the third embodiment. Similar to the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of the second embodiment, the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of the third embodiment has a pipe 11 arranged in parallel with the machine table (not shown) in the Z direction so that warp can be threaded inside, and a pipe 11 11 in plan view! / Woven base 12 arranged in parallel in the XY direction, woven head 13 capable of delivering weft, and woven head 13 on woven base 12 at least XY Woven head drive means 14 that can move on a plane, presser head 15 having a number of guide holes through which the pipe 11 passes, and presser head drive means that can reciprocate the presser head 15 in the longitudinal direction. 16, pipe pull-out means (not shown) that pulls pipe 11 from woven base 12 and allows warp to pass through weft weave, yarn unwinding device 17 that supplies yarn to woven head 13, and each drive means A control circuit (not shown), a power supply circuit (not shown) for supplying power, and a rotating shaft in the longitudinal direction It has a turntable 21 that has it.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of Embodiment 3 further includes a presser rod 31 that presses back the weft, and a presser foot that can insert the tip of the presser rod 31 into the gap of the pipe 11 on the woven base. Rod drive means 32 is provided.

[0057] Next, the operation of the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of Example 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows an operation in which the wefts are entangled with the pipes aligned on the weaving head in the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of the third embodiment. First, as shown in FIG. 8 (1), the weaving head 13 moves from the right start point to the left end point in the X direction when viewed from the front, and wefts are applied to the eight pipes 11.

[0058] In Fig. 8 (2), the presser head 15 is lowered in the warp direction, and the positions of the wefts in the Z direction are aligned.

Fig. 8 (3) shows the state of the first layer of force S. When layers weaved with wefts are stacked, this work will result in a fabric woven with wefts. It is possible to adjust the layer pitch of the layers.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8 (3), the tip of the presser rod 31 is inserted into the gap of the pipe 11 to press the weft back. Then, as shown in FIG. 8 (4), the weaving head 13 moves from the left end point to the right start point in the X direction when viewed from the front, and wefts are applied to the eight pipes 11. The yarn feed pattern is zigzag shifted for each pipe 11.

[0060] Then, the presser head 15 is pressed as shown in FIG. 8 (5). As shown in Figure 8 (6) The tip of the presser rod 31 is inserted into the gap of the pipe 11 to press back the weft, and as shown in Fig. 8 (7), the weaving head 13 is again viewed from the front and the right end point to the left end point. Move in the X direction. When the desired yarn feed pattern is applied and the first layer weaving is completed, the weave base 12 is rotated 90 degrees using the turntable 21 as shown in FIG. 8 (8). Then, weaving the second layer with an interval in the Z direction. Then, weaving work for the third layer, ..., weaving work for the nth layer. By rotating the weaving base and changing the direction of yarn feeding as needed during the lamination process, a highly rigid three-dimensional fabric is completed. Finally, the pipe 11 is pulled out from the woven base 12, and the warp yarn is passed through the weft weave to complete the three-dimensional woven fabric.

Here, the presser rod drive means 32 includes a presser rod X-direction drive device 32a, a presser rod Y-direction drive device 32b, and a presser rod Z-direction drive device 32c. These drives can be moved in the X direction, the Y direction, or the Z direction by, for example, a feed screw threaded on the frame of the driving device.

Industrial applicability

[0062] The three-dimensional weaving apparatus and the three-dimensional weaving method of the present invention can efficiently weave an arbitrary shape suitable for a defect part and can weave (control the density) at a fiber interval suitable for cell growth. Therefore, it can be used as a manufacturing apparatus / manufacturing method for materials such as cell scaffolding materials and bioreactors responsible for cell proliferation.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a three-dimensional weaving apparatus of Example 1. FIG.

FIG. 2 shows an operation in which wefts are entangled with pipes aligned on a weaving head using the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of Example 1.

[Fig.3] Various yarn feeding patterns are shown.

[Fig. 4] An example of a triangular weaving pattern with diagonal line feed.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a three-dimensional weaving apparatus of Example 2.

FIG. 6 shows an operation in which wefts are entangled with pipes aligned on a weaving head using the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of Example 2.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a three-dimensional weaving apparatus of Example 3. FIG. 8 shows an operation in which wefts are entangled with pipes aligned on a weaving head using the three-dimensional weaving apparatus of Example 3.

Explanation of symbols

11 Pipe

12 Woven base

13 Woven head

14 Weaving head drive means

14a Weaving head X direction drive

14b Weaving head Y-direction drive device

15 Presser head

16 Presser head drive means

21 Turn tape

31 Presser rod

32 Presser rod drive means

32a Presser rod X direction drive

32b Presser rod Ύ direction drive device

32c Presser rod Z direction drive

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A device for three-dimensionally weaving fibers in a plane formed in the X and Y directions and in the z direction perpendicular to the plane,

1) Pipes juxtaposed in the z direction that can thread warps inside,

3) a weaving head capable of delivering weft,

A three-dimensional weaving apparatus comprising:

[2] A device for three-dimensionally weaving fibers in a plane formed in the X and Y directions and in the Z direction perpendicular to the plane,

3) a weaving head capable of delivering weft,

5) a presser head having a number of guide holes through which the rod passes,

A three-dimensional weaving apparatus comprising:

[3] The three-dimensional weaving according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the woven base is disposed on a turntable having a rotation axis in the warp direction, and the woven base is moved by rotation of the turntable. apparatus.

[4] The apparatus further comprises a presser rod that presses back the weft yarn, and a presser rod drive unit that can insert the tip of the presser rod into the pipe or the gap between the rods on the woven base. A three-dimensional weaving device characterized by any one of 1 to 3.

5. The three-dimensional weaving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the weaving head further comprises tension control means for controlling the tension of the weft to be sent out.

[6] The tip rod of the woven head is arranged in parallel with the pipe or the rod, and can move through the gap between the pipe or the rod without interference by the woven head driving means. The three-dimensional weaving apparatus according to any one of 1 to 5.

7. The weaving head driving means is connected to a sequence control device, and the movement sequence of the weaving head is performed by an input / output signal to / from the sequence control device. The three-dimensional weaving apparatus according to any one of 6 above.

8. The three-dimensional weaving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pipe or the rod is made of stainless steel.

[9] A three-dimensional weaving method in which a predetermined number of yarn layers formed with a predetermined yarn feed pattern are stacked, and the density of the three-dimensional fabric is controlled by changing the pattern of the yarn feed pattern with a predetermined yarn layer. A three-dimensional weaving method, characterized in that it can be controlled by

[10] Multiple pipes arranged side by side in the Z direction that can pass warp inside are arranged in parallel in the XY direction on the woven base, and the weaving head moves through the gap between the pipes while sending wefts. Then, the weft is applied to the pipe to form an arbitrary yarn feed pattern, and the presser head having a number of guide holes through which the pipe passes is appropriately reciprocated in the warp direction so as to increase the layer pitch in the z direction. Three-dimensional woven fabric by laminating the wefts in a multilayered manner in the z direction, pulling out the pipe from the woven base, and passing the warps through the weft wefts Weaving method.

[11] A plurality of rods arranged side by side in the z direction, having means capable of gripping warp at one end, are arranged on the woven base in parallel to the XY direction, and the weaving head is positioned between the rods while feeding the weft. An arbitrary yarn feed pattern is formed by moving the gap and applying the weft to the rod, and by appropriately reciprocating the presser head having a number of guide holes through which the z-direction rod is threaded. By adjusting the layer pitch in the Z direction and laminating the wefts in multiple layers in the Z direction A three-dimensional weaving method, comprising weaving a three-dimensional fabric, pulling out the rod from the woven base, and passing the warp through a weft of the weft.

12. The woven base is rotated and moved after weaving each layer.

The three-dimensional weaving method according to 1.

[13] The three-dimensional weaving method according to any one of [10] to [12], wherein a tip of a presser rod that holds back the weft is inserted into the pipe or the gap between the rods.

[14] The three-dimensional weaving method according to any one of [10] to [13], wherein the density of the three-dimensional woven fabric can be controlled by a part by changing the yarn feeding pattern in a predetermined layer.

[15] The shape of a three-dimensional fabric can be controlled by selectively limiting the pipe or the rod on which the weft is applied to form the yarn feed pattern. The three-dimensional weaving method described in 1.