WO2015071336A1

WO2015071336A1 - Braiding method, and braided structure

Info

Publication number: WO2015071336A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/074419
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon Küppers; Johannes THUMM
Original assignee: Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung Denkendorf Stiftung des öffentlichen Rechts
Priority date: 2013-11-13
Filing date: 2014-11-12
Publication date: 2015-05-21
Also published as: DE112014005186A5; DE102013223154A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for braiding a structure, wherein once a strand has been braided, the strand threads used therefor are subdivided in order to braid additional strands. This dispenses with the need to braid strands twice. The invention further relates to a braided structure produced using said method.

Description

description

Method of braiding and braided structure Field of application and state of the art

The invention relates to a method for braiding a structure having at least a first leg, a second leg and a third leg. The first leg, the second leg and the third leg are from a branching point. The invention further relates to a braided structure.

Generic methods are typically used to make braided structures, which often have a Y-shaped structure. These can be used for example for the formation of fiber composite structures or vascular prostheses in medical technology, which have advantages in particular in terms of strength and weight. Also, the manufacture of preforms, i. Near-net-like textile structures made of dry fibers, is thus possible.

Frequently, to form such a braided structure during a generic braiding process, a core is braided, which predetermines the appearance of the later structure. The core may be water-soluble, for example, so that it can be removed from the structure again after completion of the braiding process.

Braided structures made in this way can be used, for example, for bicycle frames, vascular prostheses, car body parts, or other applications where it is typically important to achieve high strength with as little weight as possible. In the case of the generic method for braiding, it is customary for one of the three legs to be braided initially, wherein a second of the legs is subsequently braided, which is then braided again in the opposite direction, and then the last of the three legs is braided. Such methods are known and established in the art. However, they result in one of the three legs being double-braided, which causes additional material consumption and also leads to a higher total weight, while on this leg usually no increased strength requirement is observed. Insofar - here, based on the desired end product - an excessive use of material not fair flow rate fair fiber course accepted, since in generic methods for braiding no technique is known with which this could be avoided. Task and solution

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method for braiding a structure in which a predetermined structure can be braided with less material used, in particular with optimum fiber orientation at the branch point or gusset and at the same time with high strength. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide braided structures.

This is inventively achieved by a method according to claim 1 and by braided structures according to claims 20 and 21. Advantageous embodiments can be found, for example, the respective subclaims. The content of the claims is made by express reference to the content of the description. The invention relates to a method for braiding a structure having at least a first leg, a second leg and a third leg, which protrude from a branch point. The method comprises the following steps: - single braiding of the third leg with at least a first group of braiding threads and a second group of braiding threads, then

- single braiding of the first leg with at least the first group of braiding threads, and subsequently

- single braiding of the second leg with at least the second group of braiding threads.

The method according to the invention makes it possible to carry out only one braiding process in one direction along all three legs. On the double Überflechten at least one leg can be dispensed with. This avoids unnecessary material being consumed for this leg and hence weight being increased, although no increased strength requirements are placed on this leg. This is made possible in the method according to the invention for braiding in that the braiding threads are divided into the two groups mentioned, wherein both groups of braiding threads are associated with the third leg, while only one of these two groups of braiding threads is associated with the first leg and the second leg assigned.

Preferably, immediately after the step of braiding the third leg, the first group of braids is associated with a first semicircle of bobbins, further wherein the second group of braids is associated with a second semicircle of bobbins, the first semicircle and the second semicircle being complementary to each other and adjoin one another at a first division point and at a second division point.

This is particularly advantageous when a braiding machine is used, in which a plurality of bobbins is arranged in a circle, wherein each bobbin is associated with a braid. This does not exclude that also clappers may be present to which no braid is assigned. Thus, for example, a braiding with less braiding threads than in the braiding machine can be achieved to the maximum extent possible, for example to produce smaller structures. The two semicircles are preferably complementary to one another, which means that together they form a closed circle. The two boundaries between the semicircles are called division points.

The mentioned assignment of the respective groups to respective semicircles allows a simple and reliable execution of the method, as will be described in more detail below, for example. Two different possible embodiments of the method will be described below. In this case, the two embodiments differ in particular in such a way that at least one additional group of braiding threads is used in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, however, only the two mentioned groups of braiding threads are used.

The first possible embodiment of the method according to the invention will first be described below. In this embodiment, the first leg is braided with the first group of braiding threads and a third group of braiding threads. In contrast to the second embodiment of the method, not only the first and the second group of braiding threads are present, but additionally also at least a third group of braiding threads. The method according to the first embodiment is particularly advantageously applicable if the first leg, the second leg and the third leg are to be made similar or identical, in particular with respect to their respective diameters, and / or if respective angles between the legs are approximately or exactly should be the same.

Preferably, the second leg is braided with the second group of braiding threads and the third group of braiding threads.

Overall, therefore, in the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, each of the three legs can be braided with two groups of braiding threads, which is a similar or identical one Training the leg easier and advantageous in terms of a kraftflußg led fiber guide in the gusset and in terms of closing the gusset. Preferably, the first leg, the second leg and the third leg are formed radially symmetrical, wherein a braiding angle when braiding a respective leg is preferably in each case 30 °. The radial symmetrical design is particularly advantageous in the first embodiment of the method because the method in the first embodiment, as mentioned above, facilitates a similar or identical design of the respective legs and allows the best course with regard to a force-guided fiber guide ,

A braiding angle is understood to be that angle which the braiding thread assumes during braiding to an axis extending parallel to the respective extension of the respective leg.

A braid angle of 30 ° allows in the mentioned embodiment, an identical design of all three legs, since a respective braid can leave a respective leg using this braid angle at the same angle in which it enters another leg.

According to a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises a step of braiding a fourth leg formed between the first leg and the second leg, wherein the first leg, the second leg, the third leg and the fourth leg are formed radially symmetrical to each other, wherein the fourth leg is braided with the third group of braiding threads and a fourth group of braiding threads, wherein the second leg is braided with the second group of braiding threads and the fourth group of braiding threads. A braiding angle when braiding a respective leg is preferably 45 ° in each case.

Due to the described embodiment, the inventive method according to the first embodiment particularly advantageous for braiding a Structure with four legs are used, and it is even more advantageous particularly applicable when all four legs should be the same design. The mentioned braiding angle of 45 ° is advantageous because in this case a respective braid thread leaves a respective leg at the same angle in which it enters another leg.

According to an alternative embodiment, the method further comprises a step of braiding a fourth leg which is formed between the first leg and the third leg, and further comprises a step of braiding a fifth leg which is between the second leg and the third leg, wherein the first leg, the second leg, the third leg, the fourth leg and the fifth leg are formed radially symmetrical to each other, wherein the second leg is braided with the second group of braiding threads and a fourth group of braiding threads wherein the fifth leg is braided with the third group of braiding threads and a fifth group of braiding threads, wherein the fourth leg is braided with the fourth group of braiding threads and the fifth group of braiding threads. Preferably, a braiding angle when braiding a respective leg is in each case 18 °.

The described embodiment of the method according to the invention according to the first embodiment is particularly preferably applicable to the production of a structure with a total of five legs, which should be designed similar or identical, in particular with respect to their diameter. The mentioned braid angle of 18 ° allows a respective braid thread to leave a respective leg at the same angle at which it enters a respective other leg. This facilitates the formation of a radial symmetric structure in which all five legs are to be identical or similar, and / or of spatial structures.

According to a preferred embodiment, in the method according to the first embodiment, the respective limbs, in particular at least the second limb, the third limb and optionally further limbs, such as the aforementioned fourth limb and fifth limb, braided starting from the branch point. This prevents a double braiding of a leg and facilitates an identical or similar training of all legs. In addition, this avoids that braided threads between each different legs associated braiding operations must be cut off and re-attached.

The third leg can also be braided from the outside in the direction of the branching point. In the method according to the invention, braiding angles up to 90 °, in particular from 25 to 60 °, can basically be realized both according to the first embodiment and also according to the second embodiment.

In the method according to the invention, both according to the first embodiment and also according to the second embodiment, all groups of braiding threads can each have the same number of braiding threads. This facilitates the formation of a structure with at least partially identical or similarly formed legs. In addition, the handling of the braiding threads on the braiding machine is simplified.

In contrast, in the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, it may further be preferred if at least one group of braiding threads, for example at least the first, second, third or any additional group, such as the aforementioned fourth or fifth group of braiding threads or a subset of braiding threads, for example subgroups 1 _a , 1 b, n _a or n _b described below, contains a number of braiding threads different from the respective number of braiding threads of one or more other groups of braiding threads.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, it may be preferred if the respective groups of braiding threads, in particular the first, second and third group of braiding threads and optionally further groups of braiding threads, such as the previously Considered fourth and fifth group of braided threads, each containing a different number of braiding threads. By way of example, the third group of braiding threads may have more or fewer braiding threads than the first group of braiding threads and / or the second group of braiding threads.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, it may be preferred if the number of braiding threads in one group of braiding threads is smaller than the number of braiding threads in two other groups together.

For example, the number of braiding threads in the first group may be smaller than the number of braiding threads in the second and third groups together. As a result, structures can be braided, in which the first and the third leg are identical, and the second leg deviates from this.

Alternatively, the number of braiding threads in the second group may be smaller than the number of braiding threads in the first and third groups together.

Alternatively, the number of braiding threads in the third group may be smaller than the number of braiding threads in the first and second groups together.

Furthermore, in particular in the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, the respective groups of braiding threads, in particular at least partially, contain different braiding threads.

For example, in the first and second group braid threads may be included, which are not included in the third group.

Alternatively, in the second and third groups, braiding threads may be included that are not included in the first group.

Alternatively, in the first and third groups, braiding threads may be included that are not included in the second group. According to an embodiment, the method further comprises respective steps of braiding n-3 further legs in addition to the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg, where n is greater than or equal to five. The legs are formed radially symmetrical to each other. Each leg is braided with a group of braiding threads, with which the thigh after next in the clockwise sense is braided. He is also braided with another group of wicker threads, with which also the thighs next to the clock are braided. This embodiment leads to five or more legs to a particularly advantageous stability.

When braiding a leg or a plurality of legs, according to an embodiment of the method, respective non-braided sections of braiding threads are at the branching point of the already braided part of the structure. These can then be used in subsequent braiding legs.

According to one embodiment, after the step of braiding the first leg, unbroken portions of the braiding threads of the third group of braiding threads stand out of the already braided part of the structure and are used only during braiding of the last leg. Under the last leg is understood in particular the last braided leg. The inventive method, in particular according to the first embodiment, can also be formulated in a different terminology. In this case, individual steps of a method for braiding a structure with a number of n + 1 legs can be designated as follows:

Single braiding of a first leg with a first group of braiding threads,

Dividing the first group of braiding threads into two subgroups 1 _a and 1 b,

Adding a new subgroup 2 of braiding threads,

Merging the threads of subgroup 1 _a and subgroup 2, Braiding a second leg, wherein the braiding threads of subgroup 2 at a branching point with a part of their length, for example half of their length, look out of the previously braided braid, braided,

the braid threads of subgroup 2 conceptually in length in a braided part (subgroup 2 _a ) and an unwound part

(Subgroup 2 ( _b )),

For each additional leg with number n:

Adding a new subgroup n of braiding threads, combining the braiding threads of subgroup (n-1) _b and the braiding threads of group n,

Braiding of the nth leg, wherein the braiding threads of subgroup n at the branch point with a portion of their length, for example half of their length unbuttoned look out of the braid, the threads of subgroup n conceptually in length in a braided part (subgroup n _a ) and an unwound part (subgroup n _b ), merging the braid threads of subgroup n _b and the braiding threads of subgroup 1 _b ,

Lichen the (n + 1) th thigh.

It should be understood that the features of the foregoing description may be combined as desired with features disclosed elsewhere. It should also be mentioned that, for example, in the case of braiding a structure having three legs, the following assignment applies:

Terminologist currently used Other terminology:

First thigh Third thigh

Second thigh First thigh

Third thigh Second thigh

Subgroup 1 _a First group

Subgroup 1 _b Second group

Subgroup 2 Third Group By dividing groups into subgroups, or the use of several groups, which is already described above in other terminology, is technically most equal, a force-flow connection of legs is achieved. Legs can be connected, for example, with one leg in each case in the clockwise direction and one leg adjacent in the counterclockwise direction. They may also be connected, for example, with a second leg which is clockwise in the clockwise direction and a leg which is after the second counterclockwise. It has been shown that in particular a power flow-oriented fiber guidance in the gusset and an advantageous closing of the gusset are possible.

It should be mentioned that the variants described in the other terminology, for example with regard to the number of braiding threads, are also applicable accordingly in the terminology just used.

It should be understood that instead of the above numbering of the legs, which does not take place in a row, a numbering of the legs in turn, ie in continuous numbering along the circumference, can take place.

Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the method will now be described. In this case, the first leg is braided exclusively with the first group of braiding threads, and the second leg is braided exclusively with the second group of braiding threads. In contrast to the first embodiment, there is thus typically no third group of braiding threads. This is particularly advantageous when the third leg, for example, larger, in particular with a larger diameter, to be formed as the first leg and the second leg. Such structures occur in particular when the structure is to be Y-shaped, that is to say if it is to have, for example, an angle between the first and the second leg, which is smaller than the respective angle between the first leg and the third leg or between them second leg and the third leg. According to a preferred embodiment, the first group of braiding threads and the second group of braiding threads each have the same number of braiding threads. This is particularly advantageous if the first leg and the second leg are to have an identical or similar extent, for example diameter. If different values are desired for the thicknesses of the first leg and the second leg, correspondingly different amounts of braiding threads may also be provided in the first group of braiding threads and the second group of braiding threads. Preferably, the braiding threads of the second group are cut off after the step of braiding the third leg at respectively associated bobbins. They remain in a storage state during the first leg braiding step and are re-attached to one cleat prior to the second leg braid step, preferably by knotting.

By cutting the braid threads of the second group after the step of braiding the third leg, the braiding machine used is allowed to work exclusively with the braiding threads of the first group during the braiding of the first leg. Under a storage condition is typically understood that the cut braid threads are stored so that their previous assignment to the respective bobbins still remains recognizable. For example, they can be provided with appropriate markings. They can also be fastened to a specially provided apparatus, for example a correspondingly designed board with holders.

Typically, only after the completion of the braiding of the first leg, the braiding threads of the second group are again attached to a respective clapper. This makes it possible to braid the second leg after braiding the first leg.

For the attachment of previously cut braid threads on a clapper, the method of Anknotens has been found to be advantageous. Here advertising for example, the respective braid thread and a wound on a bobbin of the bobbin thread at respective ends to a common node intertwined. Alternatively, however, it is also possible, for example, to use methods such as gluing or fastening by means of an adapter instead of the knot.

As an alternative to the preceding embodiments relating to the cutting of the braid threads of the second group, the braiding threads of the second group can be removed after the step of braiding the third leg together with the associated bobbins.

In a further alternative embodiment, after the step of braiding the third leg, the clappers may remain in a parked position on the braiding machine used.

The braiding threads of the first group are preferably cut off after the step of braiding the third leg and before the step of braiding the first leg on respectively associated bobbins and are re-attached to each one bobbin. Also in this case, the fastening is preferably done by knotting.

The trimming of the braids of the first group makes it possible to re-attach these braids to bobbins that are more suitable for braiding the first leg than those clasps to which they were attached during the braiding of the third leg. This can be prevented, for example, that forms a patchy mesh, which may arise, for example, when the braid threads of the first group are left at the already mentioned above bobbins of a semicircle. Advantageous embodiments for the selection of bobbins to which the braiding threads can be fastened again will be described below. According to a preferred embodiment, after the step of braiding the third leg and before the step of braiding the first leg and the second leg, respective braiding threads associated with bobbins whose distance to the nearest division point is less than a certain maximum value are crossed, such that after the crossing step they are associated with a clapper whose distance from the other of the two divisional points is less than the maximum value and which belongs to the respective other semicircle, the maximum value preferably having a value of two.

Crossing over advantageously ensures that braid threads are also present at the gusset, that is to say at the point at which the first and second legs typically collide on one side facing away from the third leg. This prevents the formation of an area which is not covered by braiding threads. For example, such an area could result in a final product having the braided structure having a hole through which moisture may undesirably penetrate or which may affect the stability of the entire structure. The crossing over is preferably carried out in such a way that, after the crossing over, a number of braiding threads runs through the gusset.

The distance between a bobbin and the nearest dividing point is assumed to be the number of bobbins which are located between the respective dowel for which the distance is to be determined and the division point. If, for example, the second bobbin after a division point, a bobbin is arranged between this bobbin and the division point, so that the distance has a value of 1. This value is smaller than the preferred value of 2. The maximum value of 2 has been found to be advantageous because for most structures sufficient coverage of the gusset is ensured while at the same time not interfering too much with the overall structure. Further preferably, in the step of crossing, the braiding threads are diagonally crossed in such a way that a respective braiding thread, which before this step was associated with a clapper having a distance of n clappers from the next divisional point, is assigned after this step to a clapper which has a cleavage Distance from the other of the two division points, which is the maximum value minus 1 and minus n. This may mean, for example, that in the step of crossing the relative arrangement of the braiding threads is maintained to each other, but in total is reversed. For example, a braid which, prior to the crossing step, was at a high distance from the nearest divisional location, is closer to the then nearest divisional location after the crossing step. This procedure has proven to be advantageous insofar as a particularly good coverage of the gusset is achieved.

According to a preferred embodiment, prior to the step of braiding the respective leg, the braid threads of a respective group are fastened to bobbins which belong to one of a plurality of bobbin groups, wherein all bobbin groups have an identical number of bobbins, preferably four bumps Each pair of bobbins of each next pair of bobbins by an identical number of unoccupied bobbins, preferably by four unoccupied clappers, is separated.

Thus, the braiding threads can be advantageously distributed over the entire braiding machine. This allows uniform braiding of both the first leg with the first group of braiding threads as well as the second leg with the second group of braiding threads. The mentioned value of four bobbins having a respective group of bobbins and the mentioned value of four bobbins, by which respective bobbin groups are spaced from each other, have proved advantageous for most applications. It should be understood, however, that other values may be used herein. In individual cases, attaching a braiding thread to a clapper can also mean that it is not cut off at all (or removed along with its associated clapper) and, accordingly, not fastened again. This may be advantageous in particular if, in the case of a special thread, it is not intended to attach it to a clapper in accordance with one or more of the aforementioned instructions for assigning braiding threads to clappers than to that which it uses when braiding the third leg was assigned. The method according to the invention can be used particularly preferably for braiding a structure of a bicycle frame. It has been shown that the advantageous properties are particularly important here. This concerns in particular the high stability with low weight. It can be used on all described versions and variants.

It should be noted that process steps described in accordance with a respective embodiment may be performed in the order indicated. However, they can also be performed in a different order, if technically possible. Respective described methods can also be carried out in such a way that no further steps are carried out.

The invention further relates to a braided structure which is produced by means of a method according to the invention. Such a braided structure has particular advantages in terms of its weight, in particular because it can be dispensed with the double braiding at least one leg. In this way it is possible to realize a thread flow pattern with reduced weight. For the preparation of the structure according to the invention, all variants which have been described with reference to the process according to the invention can be used.

Finally, the invention relates to a braided structure having at least a first leg, a second leg and a third leg, which project from a branching point. Compared to generic structures In particular, the braided structure according to the invention is characterized in that the legs each have no multiple, in particular no double, braiding layers. In other words, the braided structure is characterized in particular by the fact that none of the legs is multiply, in particular double, over-braided. This applies in particular also to optional additional legs, as for the aforementioned fourth and fifth leg. Due to the absence of braided thighs, a flow pattern which is suitable for the force flow can be realized with a reduced weight even with this braided structure. With regard to further features and advantages of the braided structure, reference is made in full to the previous description.

A braided structure according to the invention is particularly preferably a structure of a bicycle frame. This can be further processed, for example, by impregnation with suitable substances and curing to a stable and lightweight bicycle frame.

Brief Description of the Drawing Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Showing:

1 is a flowchart of a method according to the second embodiment,

a scheme of crossing braiding threads,

a schematic detail view of a gusset with crossed

braiding,

4 is a diagram of a classification of braiding threads to respective bobbins before braiding a leg with only one group of braiding threads, 5 schematically shows a structure which is in an intermediate state in a production by means of the second embodiment of the method,

6 is a flowchart of a method according to the first embodiment,

7 shows schematically a structure braided with a method according to the first embodiment,

Fig. 8 shows schematically another according to a method according to the first

Embodiment braided structure,

Fig. 9 schematically yet another with a method according to the first

Embodiment braided structure.

FIGS. 10-13 show states in a method of manufacturing the structure of FIG.

7. Detailed description of the embodiments

1 shows a flowchart of a method according to the invention according to the second embodiment. It serves to produce a structure having a first leg, a second leg and a third leg using a first group of braiding threads and a second group of braiding threads.

In step S1_1, the third leg is braided with the first and second groups of braiding threads.

In step S1_2, the braid threads of the second group are cut off from their respective bobbins. Then they are put into a storage state so that they can be reassigned later. Alternatively, the braiding threads can be removed together with their associated bobbins.

In step S1_3, the braiding threads of the first group are cut off. Alternatively, the braiding threads of the first group can be removed together with their associated bobbins. In step S1_4, two pairs of braided threads are crossed over. This ensures that even in the trainee gusset sufficient coverage with braiding threads is guaranteed.

In step S1_5, the braiding threads of the first group are knotted again on respective bobbins. In this case, respective braiding threads are knotted on bobbins, which belong to respective bobbin groups, each bobbin group may consist of four bobbins and may be separated from the next bobbin groups by four bobbins each. This achieves a uniform half machine occupancy. Alternatively, the braiding threads of the first group can be used together with their associated bobbins. In step S1_6, the first leg is then braided with the first group of braiding threads.

In step S1_7, the braiding threads of the second group are knotted on respective bobbins, for which purpose the same bobbins are used as already in step S1_5.

In step S1_8, the second leg is braided with the second group of braiding threads. Thus, by the method illustrated in Figure 1, a three-legged structure can be made, with the third leg being braided with both groups of braiding threads, whereas the first leg and the second leg are each braided with only one group of braiding threads. The method is therefore particularly advantageously applicable when the first and the second leg are to be smaller than the third leg, in particular with respect to their respective diameter.

Fig. 2 shows a scheme for crossing braiding threads. In the braiding machine used, the respective clappers are arranged along a circle 10. which is subdivided into a first semicircle 12 and a second semicircle 14. The first semicircle 12 and the second semicircle 14 adjoin one another at a first division point 16 and at a second division point 18 and together form the entire circle 10. In other words, the first semicircle 12 and the second semicircle 14 are complementary to one another.

Adjacent to the respective dividing points 16, 18 are each schematically four bobbins each with associated braiding threads shown. In each case, the circle shown on the bobbin positions symbolizes the assignment of a weaving thread.

The bobbins shown are the clappers 20, 21, 22 and 23, which are arranged adjacent to the first division point 16, and the clappers 25, 26, 27, 28, which are arranged adjacent to the second division point 18.

Basically, those threads which after the step of braiding the third leg are associated with bobbins on the first semicircle 12 belong to the first group of braiding threads. Likewise, those braiding threads which after the step of braiding the third leg are associated with bobbins on the second semicircle 14 belong to the second group of braiding threads.

By crosshairs shown by four arrows of the braiding threads, the braid threads of each of the clappers 20 and 27, the clapper 21 and 28, the clapper 22 and 25 and the clapper 23 and 26 are replaced, it is achieved that braid threads, which previously to the second Group belonged, now assigned to the first group, and vice versa. As a result, as already described, sufficient intertwining of the intermediate to be formed is achieved.

In other words, the bobbins 20 and 21 as well as the bobbins 27 and 28 are pairs of bobbins whose associated braiding threads are crossed over. The same applies to the bobbins 22 and 23 as well in the bobbins 25 and 26 to respective pairs of bobbins whose associated braiding threads are crossed.

As shown, the crossover of the braiding threads, the respective distance to the nearest division point is reversed. By way of example, the braid thread which was associated with the clapper 22 before crossing over and thus had the smallest possible distance to the nearest divisional point 16 is assigned to the clapper 25 after crossing over and thus has the greatest possible distance from the nearest divisional point 18 with respect to the crossed braiding threads.

Fig. 3 shows in more detail crossed cross braiding threads on a gusset. For this purpose, a braided structure 100 is shown, which was braided by means of the method according to the second embodiment. The braided structure 100 has a first leg 110, a second leg 120 and a third leg 130. Between the first leg 1 10 and the second leg 120, a gusset 170 is formed, in which, as shown, several crossed braiding threads extend. Within the braided structure 100, a core 180 can be seen on which the respective braiding threads have been braided. Thus, the core 180 can largely dictate the shape of the braided structure 100.

Fig. 4 shows schematically the assignment of braid threads to respective bobbins prior to braiding the first leg or the second leg. The clappers are, as already explained with reference to FIG. 2, arranged along a circle 10. The bobbin positions are designated overall by reference numeral 30.

In Fig. 4, a first four-ply bobbin cluster 32 and a second four-ply beater group 34 are shown, to which braiding yarns are attached prior to braiding a respective leg, preferably by knotting. Thus, there are always four clappers side by side, which are used to braid the first leg or the second leg. Between the two bobbin groups 32, 34 four beaters are also arranged, which are referred to as another bobbin group 36. These define the distance between the first clapper group 32 and the second clumping group 34.

The corresponding assignment is continued over the entire circle 10, so that a total of half of all bobbins of the braiding machine is occupied. This corresponds to the fact that only one of the two groups of braiding threads is used for braiding the first leg or the second leg, which also typically only have half of the maximum number of braiding threads that can be received by the braiding machine. With different numbers of braiding threads of a respective group of braiding threads, different distributions of the braiding threads on the clasps of the circle 10 can be used.

4 thus shows a% assignment of the circle 10. In addition, however, in principle, other assignments, such as a ¹ / -Belegung or a full occupancy, conceivable.

FIG. 5 shows the braided structure 100 already shown in FIG. 3 at an intermediate stage during the manufacturing process. In this case, the third leg 130 and the first leg 1 10 were already braided. However, a second leg is not yet formed. To form this second leg, the steps illustrated in FIG. 1 were carried out up to and including step S1_7. In other words, in particular, two pairs of braids were crossed and the braids of the second group were knotted on respective bobbins according to the division shown in FIG. As further seen in FIG. 5, one arm of the core 180 defines the second leg to be formed. For this, it passes through a ring 40 of the braiding machine, which leads braid threads 160 of the second group of braiding threads. By continuing the braiding process and slowly pulling out of the Kerns 180 from the ring 40, the second leg 120, which can be seen in Fig. 3, formed.

6 shows a flowchart of a method according to the first embodiment. In this case, a braided structure is produced with a first leg, a second leg and a third leg using a first group, a second group and a third group of braiding threads. In the present case, the respective legs are to be formed radially symmetrical to each other and otherwise the same, in particular with the same diameter, be formed.

In step S2_1, the third leg is braided with the first group of braiding threads and the second group of braiding threads. In step S2_2, the first leg is braided with the first group of braiding threads and the third group of braiding threads.

In step S2_3, the second leg is braided with the second group of braiding threads and the third group of braiding threads.

The braiding of the respective legs, in particular the second and third leg, takes place from the branch point, i. from the point at which the three legs adjoin one another. The braiding of the first leg may also be from its endpoint, i. in the direction of the branching point.

FIG. 7 schematically shows such a braided structure 100. The structure 100 has a first leg 110, a second leg 120 and a third leg 130. As shown, these are identical and have a radial symmetry relative to each other.

The first leg 1 10 is formed from a first group 51 of braiding threads and a third group 53 of braiding threads. The second leg 120 is made up of a second group 52 of braiding threads and the third group 53 formed by braided threads. The third leg 130 is formed of the first group 51 of braiding threads and the second group 52 of braiding threads. Thus, each of the three legs 1 10, 120, 130 formed from two of the three groups 51, 52, 53 of braided threads. The braiding angle is 30 °, as shown schematically in the first leg 1 10 on the basis of the angle α of one of the braiding threads to an axis parallel to the extension of the first leg 1 10.

8 schematically shows an alternative braided structure 100 in a schematic representation, this braided structure 100 having a total of four legs, namely a first leg 110, a second leg 120, a third leg 130 and a fourth leg 140. These are identical and formed radially symmetrical to each other. FIG. 8 shows, inter alia, the first group 51 of braiding threads and the second group 52 of braiding threads. It can be seen here that the third leg 130 is braided with the first group 51 of braiding threads and the second group 52 of braiding threads. The first leg 110 is braided, inter alia, with the first group 51 of braiding threads. The second leg 120 is braided inter alia with the second group 52 of braiding threads. The fourth leg is braided with a third group 53 of braiding threads and a fourth group 54 of braiding threads. With the third group 53 of braiding threads and the first leg 1 10 is braided. With the fourth group 54 of braiding threads and the second leg 120 is braided. The braiding angle is in all cases 45 °, which, as can easily be seen in FIG. 8, enables a uniform connection of the respective braiding threads entering and exiting the respective legs 1 10, 120, 130, 140.

9 schematically shows another alternative braided structure 100 with a total of five legs, namely a first leg 110, a second leg 120, a third leg 130, a fourth leg 140 and a fifth leg 150. The fourth leg 140 is between the first leg 1 10 and the third leg 130 is formed. The fifth leg 150 is located between the second leg 120 and the third viewpoint. 130 formed. The first leg 1 10 and the second leg 120 are formed adjacent to each other.

The fourth leg 140 is braided with a fourth group 54 of braiding threads and a fifth group 55 of braiding threads. The fifth leg 150 is braided with a third group 53 of braiding threads and a fifth group 55 of braiding threads.

The braiding angle is in this case 18 °. This also ensures a respective connection of the entering or leaving braiding threads to the respective legs 1 10, 120, 130, 140, 150 in the same and therefore optimum manner. This facilitates the braiding of the five legs 1 10, 120, 130, 140, 150 in the same way, with the same extent and with the same number of braiding threads. It is common to all the braided structures shown that each leg is only braided once with optimum guidance of the threads with regard to the force flow. Compared with the methods according to the prior art, which require twice the braiding of at least one leg in such branched structures, a considerable weight and material saving is thus achieved. The method is therefore particularly advantageous for such structures.

FIGS. 10 to 13 show steps in a method for producing the structure of FIG. 7. In the present case, it is assumed that each group of braiding threads has 12 braiding threads each, so that each leg is braided from a total of 24 braiding threads. However, it should be understood that this is only a possible case and that not all braids are specifically shown. Fig. 10 shows a state in which first the third leg 130 has been braided. For this purpose, the first group 51 of braiding threads and the second group 52 of braiding threads were used. In total, therefore, braided with 24 braids, and along the direction shown by the two arrows. This direction points to an area where late ter the branch point will be. Each arrow represents the weaving direction of a group of braiding threads.

1 1 shows a state in which, after the braiding of the third leg 130, the braiding threads of the two groups 51, 52 protrude separately from the third leg 130. The total of 24 braiding threads were thus divided into two groups of 12 braiding threads each.

Fig. 12 shows a state which arises from the state shown in Fig. 1 1 by braiding of the first leg 1 10. For this purpose, the third group 53 of braiding threads is additionally added, which also has 12 braiding threads. The first leg 110 has been braided outwardly from the branching point, ie just the other way round, than the third leg 130. Meanwhile, the not yet braided sections of the braiding threads of the second group 52 of braiding threads and the third group 53 of braiding threads are standing by the braid from.

FIG. 13 shows a state that arises from the state shown in FIG. 12 by braiding the second leg 120. For this purpose, the second group 52 of braiding threads and the third group 53 of braiding threads were used. Also, the second leg 120 was braided outwardly from the branching point.

It should be understood that all disclosed method features are also applicable to devices and all disclosed device features are also applicable to methods. This applies in particular to the production method just described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13

Claims

claims

A method of braiding a structure (100) having at least a first leg (110), a second leg (120), and a third leg (130) protruding from a branch point,

the method comprising the steps of:

- single braiding (S1_1, S2_1) of the third leg (130) with at least one first group (51) of braiding threads and a second group (52) of braiding threads, subsequently

- single braiding (S1_6, S2_2) of the first leg (110) with at least the first group (51) of braiding threads, and subsequently

- single braiding (S1_8, S2_3) of the second leg (120) with at least the second group (52) of braiding threads.

Method according to claim 1,

wherein immediately after the step of braiding (S1_1, S2_1) of the third leg (130) the first group (51) of braiding threads is associated with a first semicircle (12) of bobbins and the second group (52) of braiding threads is associated with a second semicircle (14 ) is associated with bobbins,

wherein the first semicircle (12) and the second semicircle (14) are complementary to one another and adjoin one another at a first division point (16) and at a second division point (18).

Method according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein the first leg (110) is braided with the first group (51) of braiding threads and a third group (53) of braiding threads (S2_2).

Method according to claim 3,

wherein the second leg (120) is braided (S2_3) with the second group (52) of braiding threads and the third group (53) of braiding threads. Method according to claim 3 or 4,

wherein the first leg (1 10), the second leg (120) and the third leg (130) are formed radially symmetrical metric,

and wherein a braiding angle (a) when braiding a respective leg (110, 120, 130) is 30 ° in each case.

Method according to claim 3,

which further comprises a step of braiding a fourth leg (140) formed between the first leg (110) and the second leg (120),

wherein the first leg (1 10), the second leg (120), the third leg (130) and the fourth leg (140) are formed radially symmetrical to one another,

wherein the fourth leg (140) is braided with the third group (53) of braiding threads and a fourth group (54) of braiding threads, the second leg (120) being connected to the second group (52) of braiding threads and the fourth group (54 ) is braided by braided threads (S2_3),

and wherein a braiding angle (a) when braiding a respective leg (1 10, 120, 130, 140) is 45 ° in each case.

Method according to claim 3,

which further comprises a step of braiding a fourth leg (140) formed between the first leg (110) and the third leg (130),

and further comprising a step of braiding a fifth leg (150) formed between the second leg (120) and the third leg (130),

wherein the first leg (110), the second leg (120), the third leg (130), the fourth leg (140) and the fifth leg (150) are formed radially symmetrical to one another,

wherein the second leg (120) is braided with the second group (52) of braiding threads and a fourth group (53) of braiding threads (S2_3) becomes,

wherein the fifth leg (150) is braided with the third group (53) of braiding threads and a fifth group (55) of braiding threads, the fourth leg (140) being connected to the fourth group (54) of braiding threads and the fifth group (55 ) is braided by braided threads, and wherein a braid angle (a) of each leg (1 10, 120, 130, 140, 150) is 18 ° in each case.

Method according to one of claims 3 to 7,

wherein, after the step of braiding the first leg, un-perforated portions of the braiding threads of a third group of braiding threads protrude from the already braided part of the structure and are used only during braiding of the last leg.

Method according to one of claims 1 to 4,

which further comprises respective steps of braiding n-3 further legs (140, 150) in addition to the first leg (110), the second leg (120) and the third leg (130), where n is greater than or equal to five,

wherein the legs (1 10, 120, 130, 140, 150) are formed radially symmetrical to each other,

and wherein each leg (1 10, 120, 130, 140, 150)

is braided with a group of braids, with which also the next butt in the clockwise thighs is braided, and is also braided with another group of braids, with which also the opposite of the clockwise next-thigh braided.

0. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9,

wherein, when braiding a leg or a plurality of legs, respective non-braided sections of braiding threads protrude at the branch point from the already braided part of the structure.

1 1. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,

wherein the respective legs (1 10, 120, 130, 140, 150) are braided starting from the branching point.

Method according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein the first leg (110) is braided exclusively with the first group (51) of braiding threads (S1_6) and the second leg (120) is braided (S1_8) exclusively with the second group (52) of braiding threads.

13. The method according to claim 12,

wherein the braid threads of the second group (52) are cut (S1_2) after the step of braiding (S1_1) the third leg (130) on respectively associated bobbins,

remain in a storage state during the braiding step (S1_6) of the first leg (110), and

prior to the step of weaving (S1_8) the second leg (120) to be attached to a respective clapper, preferably by knotting.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13,

wherein the braid threads of the first group (51) are cut (S1_3) at respective bobbins after the braiding step (S1_1) of the third leg (130) and before the braiding step (S1_6) of the first leg (110) each again attached to a clapper (S1_5), preferably by knotting.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14,

wherein after the step of braiding (S1_1) the third leg (130) and before the steps of braiding (S1_6, S1_8) the first leg

(1 10) and the second leg (120) respective braiding threads, which are associated with bobbins (20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28), the distance to the nearest division point (16, 18) less than a certain Maximum value is crossed (S1_4), so that after the crossing step (S1_4) they are associated with a clapper (25, 26, 27, 28, 20, 21, 22, 23) whose distance from the other of the two divisional points (18, 16) is less than the maximum value and which belongs to the respective other semicircle (12, 14), wherein the maximum value preferably has a value of two.

6. The method according to claim 15,

wherein, in the step of crossing (S1_4), the braiding threads are crossed diagonally such that a respective braiding thread which before that step was associated with a bobbin (20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28) spaced apart from n bobbins to the nearest division point (16, 18), after this step is associated with a clapper (25, 26, 27, 28, 20, 21, 22, 23) which is at a distance from the respective other of the two division points (18, 16) which is the maximum minus one and minus n.

7. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16,

wherein the braid threads of a respective group (51, 52) are fastened, prior to the step of braiding the respective leg (110, 120), to bobbins which belong to one of a plurality of bobbin groups (32, 34),

all clapper groups (32, 34) having an identical number of bobbins, preferably four bobbins,

and wherein each pair of bobbins (32, 34) of each next pair of bobbins is separated by an identical number of unoccupied bobbins (36), preferably four unoccupied bobbins.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein all groups (51, 52, 53) of braiding threads each have the same number of braiding threads.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein all groups (51, 52, 53) of braided threads each having a different number of braiding threads.

A braided structure (100) made by a method according to any one of the preceding claims. 21 braided structure (100) having at least a first leg (1 10), a second leg (120) and a third leg (130), which protrude from a branch point, wherein the legs each not multiple, in particular not twice, braided available.

The braided structure (100) according to any one of claims 20 or 21, which is a structure of a bicycle frame.