METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WEAVING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL FABRIC

摘要

A method and apparatus for weaving a three-dimensional fabric involves inserting simultaneously a parallel weft yarns into the sheds between multiple warp yarn layers and selectively inserting at least one group of binder yarns between parallel spaced warp yarns. The group of binder yarns are moved relative to the warp yarns between weft insertions. The yarns may be moved between more than two positions relative to the warp yarns during weaving of the fabric so as to insert binder yarns. In one embodiment the binder yarns are moved such that they extend in a direction that is not orthogonal to the warp yarns.

主权项

1. A method for producing a three dimensional woven fabric comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of layers of warp yarns under tension, each layer comprising a plurality of parallel spaced yarns and separating the layers of warp yarns so as to define a shed between each layer; selectively inserting simultaneously a plurality of parallel weft yarns a predetermined distance into the sheds between the warp yarns; selectively positioning at least one group of binder yarns between parallel spaced yarns of the warp yarn layers; and
a) selectively moving the group of binder yarns relative to the warp yarns between weft insertions, the group of binder yarns being moved between more than two positions relative to the warp yarns during weaving of the fabric; and/orb) selectively moving the group of binder yarns through only some of the warp yarn layers between weft insertions.