CIRCULAR WEAVING MASCHINE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A HOLLOW PROFILE-LIKE FABRIC

Abstract

The invention relates to a circular weaving machine for weaving a weaving core (1), comprising at least one shuttle (5) which has a weft yarn bobbin (7) and can be moved along a circular continuous track around the weaving core (1), and warp coil devices (10), each of which having a warp yarn bobbin (11). According to the invention, the warp coil devices (10) are designed to be movable, the travel path of the warp coil devices (10) with the warp yarn bobbin (11) extending through a weaving plane (6) enclosed by the circular continuous track (2, 23).

Claims

1.-23. (canceled)

24. A circular weaving machine for weaving a weaving core, wherein the weaving machine comprises (i) at least one shuttle comprising a weft yarn bobbin and being movable along a circular continuous track around the weaving core and (ii) warp coil devices each of which comprises a warp yarn bobbin, the warp coil devices being configured to be movable, with a travel path of the warp coil devices with a warp yarn bobbin extending through a weaving plane enclosed by the circular continuous track.

25. The circular weaving machine of claim 24, wherein the circular continuous track and the weaving plane enclosed by the circular continuous track are arranged quasi-radially (at an angle different from 90 in relation to the weaving axis.

26. The circular weaving machine of claim 24, wherein multiple circular continuous tracks are provided along which the at least one shuttle may be moved, the travel path of the warp coil device with the warp yarn bobbin extending through the weaving planes enclosed by the circular continuous tracks.

27. The circular weaving machine of claim 24, wherein the circular continuous track is formed by a circular guide track in or on which at least one shuttle is guided.

28. The circular weaving machine of claim 27, wherein the guide track comprises multiple sub-tracks.

29. The circular weaving machine of claim 24, wherein the shuttle(s) is/are each driven by a direct drive.

30. The circular weaving machine of claim 24, wherein the shuttle(s) is/are each driven by a rotatably mounted carrier.

31. The circular weaving machine of claim 24, wherein the circular continuous track is formed by a rotatably mounted circular rotor (conveyor track) with which the at least one shuttle may be conveyed.

32. The circular weaving machine of claim 24, wherein an axis of rotation of the weft yarn bobbin is arranged in a direction of rotation of the at least one shuttle about a weaving axis or perpendicular to the weaving axis.

33. The circular weaving machine of claim 24, wherein an axis of rotation of the warp yarn bobbin is arranged in a substantially parallel orientation to a weaving axis or in a substantially tangential orientation to the weaving axis.

34. The circular weaving machine of claim 24, wherein the travel path of the warp coil device with the warp yarn bobbin is designed in the form of a circular arc with a constant radius through the weaving plane.

35. The circular weaving machine of claim 24, wherein the warp coil device with the warp yarn bobbin is configured so that it is movable along a travel path laterally of the weaving plane.

36. The circular weaving machine of claim 24, wherein the warp coil device with the warp yarn bobbin is movable by a positioning device and can be positioned in determinable alternating positions.

37. The circular weaving machine of claim 36, wherein the positioning device comprises at least one movable bobbin gripper and one stationary bobbin gripper or at least two movable bobbin grippers.

38. The circular weaving machine of claim 36, wherein the positioning device comprises a handling robot or is arranged on a handling robot.

39. The circular weaving machine of claim 36, wherein the positioning device is arranged on a warp bobbin ring which is rotatably mounted about the weaving axis.

40. The circular weaving machine of claim 24, wherein the weft yarn bobbin can be arranged on any shuttle by a handling robot.

41. The circular weaving machine of claim 24, wherein the weaving core is configured to be axially movable and/or rotatable.

42. The circular weaving machine of claim 24, wherein the weaving core has a variable cross-sectional geometry and/or is of a multi-part design.

43. A method for producing a hollow profile-like fabric, wherein the method comprises using the circular weaving machine of claim 24 for producing the fabric.

Description

[0111] The device in accordance with the invention is explained in detail below by means of representative embodiments. The associated drawings in schematic representation illustrate the following:

[0112] FIG. 1 A front view of a circular weaving machine in accordance with the invention with a rotor ring with two shuttles;

[0113] FIG. 2a, b, c A side view of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1 in three working phases of weaving a weaving core;

[0114] FIG. 3 A semi-profile of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1 with an alternative positioning device when weaving a contoured, two-part weaving core with a variable cross-section;

[0115] FIG. 4 A semi-profile of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1 with a warp coil device and the axis of rotation of the warp bobbin arranged tangentially to the weaving axis;

[0116] FIG. 5 A semi-profile of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1 with the orientation of the shuttle to the weaving axis within the radius of the inner contour of the warp coil devices;

[0117] FIG. 6 A semi-profile of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1 with a positioning device with a circularly movable bobbin gripper;

[0118] FIG. 7 A semi-profile of the circular weaving machine in accordance with the invention with two rotor rings each of which with two shuttles;

[0119] FIG. 8a A semi-profile of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 7 with a first alternative positioning device;

[0120] FIG. 8b A semi-profile of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 7 with a second alternative positioning device with two movable bobbin grippers and a stationary bobbin gripper;

[0121] FIG. 9 A front view of a circular weaving machine in accordance with the invention with positioning devices that may be moved around the circumference of the circular weaving machine;

[0122] FIG. 10 A front view of a circular weaving machine in accordance with the invention with positioning devices arranged on at least one rotatably mounted warp bobbin ring;

[0123] FIG. 11 A semi-profile of the circular weaving machine according to the variant depicted in FIG. 10 with several warp bobbin rings;

[0124] FIG. 12 A front view of a circular weaving machine in accordance with the invention with a multi-part, annular guide track on which five shuttle frames are guided;

[0125] FIG. 13 A profile view of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 12;

[0126] FIG. 14 A semi-profile of the circular weaving machine in accordance with the invention with three multi-part annular guide tracks each of which with two shuttles;

[0127] FIG. 15 A semi-profile of the circular weaving machine in annular guide track with several warp bobbin rings;

[0128] FIG. 16 A semi-profile of the circular weaving machine in accordance with the invention with one rotor ring and with a handling robot equipped with positioning devices;

[0129] FIG. 17 A profile view of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 8b with a handling robot to change the weft bobbins.

[0130] The circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1 has a centrically arranged weaving core 1a with a cylindrical cross-section and an annular rotor (rotor ring) 2. The weaving core 1a is rotatable about a weaving axis 3 and can be moved along this weaving axis 3 on a hollow cylindrical machine housing 4 of the circular weaving machine. The rotor ring 2 is also mounted rotatably on the machine housing 4 and rotates concentrically around the weaving core 1a.

[0131] Two shuttles 5 are mounted on the rotor ring 2 which are offset by 180 and are thus arranged opposite one another, and are consequently conveyed along the continuous circular track (conveyor track) 2 around the weaving core 1a formed by the rotor ring 2 at a constant distance from one another, the conveying line of the shuttles 5 being determined by the shape of the rotor ring (conveyor track) 2. In this representative embodiment, the interior of the rotor ring 2 limits a usable weaving plane 6 of the circular weaving machine to a radial extent.

[0132] The shuttles 5 each have a weft yarn bobbin (weft bobbin) 7, the weft yarn 8 of which is guided under a specific yarn tension linear to the weaving point on the weaving core 1a for moving the weaving core 1a. The shape of weaving plane 6 in the interior of the rotor ring 2 isas can be seen in FIG. 2a, b, c in particulardetermined by the course of weft yarn 8essentially circular-disc-shaped, whereby in this design the shuttles 5 project into the interior of the rotor ring 2 and consequently circulate within weaving plane 6.

[0133] As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2a, b, c, the rotor ring 2 is driven by a motor 9 via, for example, a toothed wheel gear. In the representative embodiment, the pivot bearing of the rotor ring 2 is mounted by means of a rolling bearing comprising the rotor ring 2.

[0134] Twelve warp coil devices 10 are arranged concentrically around the weaving core 1a and at the same distance from one another, each with a warp spool 11, the warp yarn 12 of which is guided linearly to the weaving point on the weaving core 1a under a specific yarn tension for moving the weaving core 1a.

[0135] The warp coil devices 10 can be moved essentially axially, primarily parallel to the weaving axis 3 by means of a positioning device 13 attached to each machine housing 4 and can be positioned in two changeable positions next to weaving plane 6 (see FIG. 1, 2a, b, c).

[0136] Each positioning device 13 for moving and positioning the warp coil device 10 or the warp spool 11 provides two mobile spool grippers 14a, which are arranged on both sides of the rotor ring 2 distributed over the circumference of the circular weaving machine in accordance with FIG. 2.

[0137] For the sake of clarity, only two positioning devices 13 are shown in FIG. 2a, b, c, namely the twelve positioning devices arranged uniformly around the circumference of the hollow cylindrical machine housing 4 of the circular weaving machine in the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions.

[0138] The two bobbin grippers 14a of each of the positioning 13 are mounted on the machine housing 4 axially movable by means of a guide rod 15 and can be individually controlled.

[0139] For purposes of the iterating change of warp yarns 12, the warp coil devices 10 and warp yarn 11 are guided through the weaving plane 6 parallel to weaving axis 3 by means of bobbin grippers 14a and alternately positioned in alternating positions on both sides of weaving plane 6.

[0140] The warp yarns 12 of the warp bobbins 11 guide at an alternating variable angle 16 with respect to the weaving plane 6 (weaving angle) to the weaving point on the weaving core 1a whereas the weft yarns 8 run essentially perpendicular to the weaving axis 3 (see FIG. 2a, b, c).

[0141] By the alternately formed spreading of the warp yarns 12 to each other and the two shuttle 5 rotating in the direction of rotation of the rotor ring 2, the warp yarns 12 for weaving the weaving core 1a are woven with the weft yarns 8 to produce a hollow profile-like fabric 17.

[0142] The axis of rotation of the weft bobbins 7 carried by the shuttle 5 is in the circumferential direction of the shuttle 5 and the axis of rotation of the warp bobbins 11 is arranged essentially parallel to the weaving plane 6 and perpendicular to the weaving axis 3.

[0143] Based on this arrangement and alignment of bobbins 7, 11 to the weaving plane 6 or weaving axis 3, the weft yarns 8 and warp yarns 12 are fed into the weaving core 1a with as few or no deflections as far as possible.

[0144] FIGS. 2a, b, c show snapshots of three phases of the changing positioning process of the warp coil devices 10 and the warp yarn 11 in the circular weaving machine during rotation of the shuttle 5 by 180.

[0145] In FIG. 2a, the two shuttles 5 are in the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions of the circular weaving machine. In this position, the respective warp coil device 10 with the warp bobbin 11 is located in the image plane to the right of the rotor ring 2 or to the left of the rotor ring 2, so that the space for the passage of the shuttle 5 in the direction of rotation of the rotor ring 2 about the weaving axis 3 is cleared by the warp threads 12 spread off the weaving plane 6, thus forming a shed.

[0146] After the shuttles 5 pass through the 6 o'clock or 12 o'clock position, the bobbin grippers 14a of the positioning device 13 move towards each other in accordance with FIG. 2b and meet directly in the weaving plane 6 to transfer the warp coil devices 10 or the warp bobbins 11. This means that each bobbin gripper 14a only has to cover about half of the total distance between the changing positions of the warp coil devices 10 or of the warp yarn 11, which means that the position change can take place more quickly.

[0147] In the working phase according to FIG. 2c, the warp coil device 10 or warp yarn bobbin 11, previously positioned in the image plane to the right of the rotor ring 2, is located on the left side of the rotor ring 2; the warp coil device 10 or warp yarn bobbin 11, previously positioned in the image plane to the left of the rotor ring 2, is located on the right side of the rotor ring. As a result of the now-exchanged position of the warp coil device 10 or warp yarn bobbin 11, the warp yarn 12 is now spread in opposite directions from the weaving plane 6 and in turn creates the space (shed) for a new pass-through of the shuttle 5, whereby the shuttle 5, previously located at the 6 o'clock position, passes through the 12 o'clock position and vice versa. The warp coil device 10 or warp bobbin 11 can also be changed after the shuttles 5 have passed through several times.

[0148] The warp yarns 12 are alternately spread in opposite directions in the prescribed or another alternating mode of the warp coil devices 10 or warp yarn bobbins 11, whereby as a result the warp yarns 12 are undulating with the weft yarns 8 of the shuttle 5 carried along on the track of rotor ring 2 to produce a fabric 17 with the desired weaving pattern.

[0149] By means of the controllable drive motor 9 of the rotor ring 2 and the individual drive and the control of the bobbin gripper 14, the weaving pattern can also be changed during the weaving process.

[0150] A high weft tension of weft thread 8 can be built up by the shuttle 5 fixed to the rotating rotor ring 2 and the weft thread 8 running in a straight line from the weft thread bobbin 7 on the weaving core 1a, whereby a very strong fabric 17 can be produced on the weaving core 1a.

[0151] The warp coil devices 10 with the warp yarn bobbins 11 are arranged in direct lateral proximity to the interior of the rotor ring 2 and thus near the weaving plane 6, so that the transfer of the warp coil devices 10 or warp bobbins 11 can take place on short paths and also the angular change of the weaving angle 16 of the warp yarns 12 to the weaving plane 6 during the position change of the warp coil devices 10 or the warp yarn bobbins 11 is small.

[0152] During the weaving process, for example, the weaving core 1a can be fixed in a stationary position depending on the desired weaving result, whereby the fabric 17 is continuously pulled off the weaving core 1a in the axial direction along the weaving axis 3. Alternatively, the weaving core 1a can be axially movable along the weaving axis 3, whereby the fabric 17 is deposited on the weaving core 1a in a fixed/stationary manner. Depending on the desired weaving result, the axial movement of the weaving core 1a can be quasi-stationary, discontinuous or continuous. It is also possible to move the weaving core 1a forward and backward to produce several layers of fabric 17.

[0153] During its axial movement, the weaving core 1a can also be rotated about the weaving axis 3 to produce a changed angular position of the warp yarns 12 and weft yarns 8 of e.g. +/60 to the weaving axis 3 on the weaving core 1a.

[0154] After weaving the weaving core 1a through a fabric 17 remaining stationary on the weaving core 1a, the weaving core 1a can be removed sideways from the circular weaving machine and the circular weaving machine can be equipped with a further moveable weaving core 1.

[0155] FIG. 3 shows a semi-profile cut-out of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1, 2a, b, c, which shows the weaving of an unevenly contoured weaving core 1b with variable cross-section in the manner of a double paraboloid (diaboloid). The unevenly contoured weaving core 1b is moved axially along the weaving axis 3, whereby the fabric 17 is deposited in a fixed/stationary manner along the weaving core 1b.

[0156] Only the differences compared to the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1, 2a, b, c are described below.

[0157] The taut yarn guidance of weft yarn 8 and warp yarn 12 with largely deflection-free yarn guidance and with essentially uniform yarn tension makes it possible to produce a fabric 17 that is tight against the unevenly contoured weaving core 1b and follows the contour of the weaving core 1b true to contour.

[0158] The unevenly contoured weaving core 1b is designed in two parts to facilitate demoulding of the correspondingly shaped fabric 17. The transverse separation of the weaving core 1b, as shown in the representative embodiment, makes it possible to easily separate the weaving core 1b from the double-parabolic fabric 17 on both sides.

[0159] Of the twelve positioning devices 13 for moving and positioning the warp coil devices 10 and the warp bobbins 11, only one is shown in FIG. 3analogous to FIGS. 2a, b, cfor the sake of overview, namely the positioning device 13 arranged in the 12 o'clock position of the circular weaving machine.

[0160] In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 2a, b, c, the positioning devices 13 according to FIG. 3 each provide only one axially movable bobbin gripper 14a (here in the image plane on the right), whereby the associated stationary bobbin gripper 14b (in the image plane on the left), which is arranged opposite the weaving plane 6, is fixed to the machine housing 4.

[0161] For alternating positioning, the warp coil device 10 or the warp yarn bobbin 11 (right position of the warp yarn bobbin marked with R) located in the image plane right of the weaving plane 6 is guided through the weaving plane 6 by means of the movable bobbin gripper 14a and transferred to the corresponding stationary bobbin gripper 14b left of the weaving plane 6, which holds the warp coil device 10 or the warp yarn bobbin 11 during a changing cycle (left position of the warp yarn bobbin 11 marked with L). After the shuttle 5 has passed through with the weft bobbin 7, the movable bobbin gripper 14a removes the warp coil device 10 or the warp yarn bobbin 11 from the stationary bobbin gripper 14b and returns it to the initial alternating position, from where it is transferred again to the stationary bobbin gripper 14b after the additional shuttle 5 has passed through. The movable bobbin gripper 14a covers the entire distance between the alternating positions on both sides of the warp coil device 10 or the warp yarn bobbin 11 by means of the correspondingly extended guide linkage 15. The process is repeated in a certain alternating mode related to the run of the shuttle(s) 5.

[0162] In this embodiment, only half of all bobbin grippers 14 are movable in contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 2a, b, c, as a result of which the design effort for the axial movement and positioning of the warp bobbin device 10 and the warp bobbin 11 is advantageously reduced.

[0163] FIG. 4 shows a semi-profile section of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1, 2a, b, c with a positioning device 13 according to FIG. 3. In contrast to FIG. 3, the circular weaving machine has a different arrangement of the warp bobbins 11 and a particularly large, unevenly contoured weaving core 1b.

[0164] The circular weaving machine according to FIG. 4 illustrates a different operating cycle for the positioning device 13 that generates a clearly different weaving pattern for the fabric 17 on the weaving core 1b.

[0165] Only these differences in the circular weaving machine and the weaving process will be discussed below.

[0166] As regards the arrangement of the warp bobbins 11 in comparison to the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 3, the axis of rotation of the warp bobbin 11 according to FIG. 4 is also arranged essentially parallel to the weaving plane 6 but in tangential alignment to the weaving axis 3. In this arrangement, the warp yarn 12 is thus completely removed from the warp yarn bobbin 11 without any deflection, which results in a particularly thread-protecting guide.

[0167] FIG. 4 also shows that the geometry of the circular weaving machine in accordance with the invention allows the use of weaving cores 1 with a particularly large cross-section y The radius of the weaving core 1 can reach at the maximum up to the inner radius of the rotating shuttle 5 or weft bobbins 7 or up to the inner radius of the warp coil devices 10 or warp yarn bobbins 11, depending on which part of the weaving axis 3 is closer.

[0168] Based on circular weaving machine according to FIG. 4, a weaving process is used in accordance with the weaving pattern of fabric 17 visible on the weaving core 1b, in which the positioning devices 13 are controlled in such a way that the warp bobbins 11 change their position only after three shuttle passes (through the first shuttle 5, the second shuttle 5 and again through the first shuttle 5), so that the fabric produced 17 has less undulation. A fabric 17 with less undulation is particularly gentle to the fibers, since fewer fiber deflections weaken the fibers, which is particularly advantageous when using sensitive fiber material.

[0169] FIG. 5 shows a semi-profile except of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1, 2a, b, c with a positioning device 13 according to FIG. 3 and with an alternative arrangement of the rotating shuttle 5 on the rotor ring 2 and in relation to the arrangement of the warp coil devices 10 with the warp yarn bobbins 11. The rotating shuttle 5 and warp coil devices 10 are located at significantly different radial heights in relation to the weaving axis 3.

[0170] Only the differences compared to the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1, 2a, b, c are discussed below.

[0171] A web-shaped bracket 18 connects the shuttle 5 with the rotor ring 2 and keeps it at a certain radial distance from the weaving axis 3.

[0172] The radial distance of the outer contour of the shuttle 5 or the weft bobbin 7 from the weaving axis 3 is thus determined such that it is smaller than the radial distance of the outer contour of the warp coil device 10 or of the warp bobbin 11 facing the weaving core 1b.

[0173] The warp coil devices 10 and warp yarn spools 11 can thus be positioned even closer to the weaving plane 6 without colliding with the passing shuttle 5. The distance of the corpus of the warp coil devices 10 or warp yarn bobbins 11 from the weaving plane 6 is only dimensioned in such a way that the space for the passage of the web-shaped support 18 of the shuttle 5 and the passage of shuttle 5 through the narrower shed of the warp threads 12 is ensured.

[0174] This results in shorter travel distances and travel times for the warp coil devices 10 or warp yarn bobbins 11 that are axially moved by the positioning devices 13, with the corresponding possibility to increase weaving speed.

[0175] The travel distance of the movable bobbin hook 14a of the positioning device 13 analogue FIG. 3 is significantly shorter due to the narrower positioning relative to the corresponding stationary bobbin gripper 14b and enables a similarly fast position change of the warp coil device 10 or the warp yarn bobbin 11, as is the case with the design of the positioning device 13 with two interacting movable bobbin grippers 14a according to FIG. 2a, b, c.

[0176] Furthermore, this embodiment results in a particularly small weaving angle 16 for the warp yarn 12 to the weaving plane 6 with correspondingly lower fluctuations in the yarn tension.

[0177] FIG. 6 shows a semi-profile section according to FIG. 1 with positioning devices 13 for moving and positioning the warp coil devices 10 and the warp bobbins 11 respectively, analogous to the embodiment according to FIG. 5, wherein in contrast to the design according to FIG. 5, the guide rod 15 of the movable bobbin gripper 14a and the holder of the corresponding stationary bobbin gripper 14b are arranged and designed such that an arc-shaped travel path of the movable bobbin gripper 14a along a constant radius around the weaving point on the weaving core 1b instead of a linear axial travel movement is achieved.

[0178] In this embodiment, the length of warp yarn 12 between the warp bobbin 11 and the weaving point on the weaving core 1b remains the same at every position of the travel path of the warp bobbin 11, so that yarn tension remains constant over the entire travel path with the corresponding advantages for a fabric 17 to be produced that is permanently true to shape.

[0179] FIG. 7 shows a semi-profile section of the circular weaving machine in accordance with the invention which, unlike the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1, 2a, b, c, has two rotor rings 2.1, 2.2 which are mounted rotatably on the hollow-cylindrical machine housing 4 in parallel arrangement to one another and rotate around an unevenly contoured loom core 1b with a variable cross-section.

[0180] Only the differences when compared to the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1 will be discussed below.

[0181] The two rotor rings 2.1, 2.2 form two circular tracks (conveyor tracks) 2.1, 2.2 each for conveying a pair of shuttles 5, which are fastened in pairs to one rotor ring 2.1, 2.2 each via a web-type holder 18 analogous to the embodiment according to FIG. 5, 6 and are carried along with the rotary movement of the respective rotor ring 2.1, 2.2 at a constant distance from each other. Preferably, the shuttles 5 comprising the shuttle pair are offset 180 to each other and thus arranged opposite in the respective rotor ring 2.1, 2.2.

[0182] The interior space of each rotor ring 2.1, 2.2 comprises a usable weaving plane 6.1, 6.2 of the circular weaving machine. The weft yarns 8 carried by the shuttle 5 of both rotor 2.1, 2.2 run linearly to one and the same weaving point on the weaving core 1b, so that the weaving planes 6.1, 6.2 are essentially circular-disc-shaped and essentially parallel to each other.

[0183] The rotor rings 2.1, 2.2 can rotate in the same direction or in opposite directions and at different speeds to each other by means of separate drive 9.1, 9.2, which, in combination with the alternating warp coil devices 10 or warp bobbins 11, can produce fabric 17 with very individual weaving patterns and with different fabric properties.

[0184] This embodiment also allows several weft yarns 8 of different fiber quality to be processed together.

[0185] The circular weaving machine has positioning devices 13 for moving and positioning the warp coil devices 10 or warp bobbins 11 according to the embodiment according to FIG. 3 and an arrangement of the shuttles 5 on the rotor rings 2.1, 2.2 according to the embodiments according to FIG. 5, 6.

[0186] For alternating positioning, the warp coil device 10 or the warp yarn bobbin 11 (right position of the warp bobbin 11 marked with R) is guided axially through both weaving planes 6.1, 6.2 by means of the movable bobbin gripper 14a with correspondingly elongated guide rods 15 and transferred to the corresponding stationary bobbin gripper 14b on the left side of the two weaving planes 6.1, 6.2 and held there during an alternating cycle (left position of the warp bobbin 11 marked with L). After a shuttle 5 or several shuttles 5 of both rotor rings 2.1, 2.2 have passed through in a certain mode, the movable bobbin gripper 14a takes over the warp coil device 10 or the warp bobbin 11 from the stationary bobbin gripper 14b in a certain alternating mode and moves them back to the initial alternating position.

[0187] FIG. 8a shows a first alternative embodiment of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 7 with positioning devices 13, which, in contrast to the version of positioning devices 13 according to FIG. 3, each have a movable bobbin gripper 14a and a stationary bobbin gripper 14b as well as a further stationary bobbin gripper 14b.

[0188] The stationary bobbin gripper 14b, which is additional to the version according to FIG. 3, is arranged in an intermediate change position in the middle between the two rotor rings 2.1, 2.2 (position M). The movable bobbin gripper 14a can transfer the warp coil device 10 or the warp bobbin 11 to the stationary bobbin gripper 14b in the left-hand alternating position (position L) or to the stationary bobbin gripper 14b in the middle alternating position (position M).

[0189] This increases the variability of the change modes of the warp coil devices 10 and warp yarn bobbins 11, respectively, so that even greater flexibility in the design of the weaving patterns is achieved.

[0190] FIG. 8b shows a second alternative embodiment of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 7 with positioning devices 13, which, in contrast to the version of the positioning 13 according to FIG. 1, 2a, b, c, have a stationary bobbin gripper 14b in addition to two movable bobbin grippers 14a each.

[0191] The additional stationary bobbin gripper 14b, when compared to the embodiment according to FIG. 1, 2a, b, c, is arranged in an intermediate change position (position M) between the two rotor rings 2.1, 2.2.

[0192] The two movable bobbin grippers 14a can alternately transfer a warp coil device 10 or the warp bobbin 11 in a selectable change mode to the stationary bobbin gripper 14b in the middle change position (position M) or to the opposite movable bobbin gripper 14a in the outer change position (position R, L).

[0193] In this embodiment, two warp coil devices 10 or warp bobbins 11 can be operated simultaneously by the same positioning device 13. As can be seen from FIG. 8b, the two warp bobbins 11 positioned at positions R and L can be transferred alternately to the stationary bobbin gripper 14b in the middle change position (position M) or taken over from this position.

[0194] This not only increases the variability of the change modes of the warp coil devices 10 and warp yarn bobbins 11 with subsequently increased flexibility in weaving pattern design, but also the weaving speed due to shorter and simultaneously executable transfer paths.

[0195] This double circular weaving machine with two rotor rings 2.1, 2.2 and the flexibly manageable positioning devices 13 increases the possibility of combining the applicable operating parameters, materials and weaving modes to create fabric 17 with the most diverse weaving patterns and fabric properties.

[0196] The circular weaving machine according to the invention can be equipped with any number of rotor rings 2 or weaving planes 6 and with positioning devices 13 with any number of bobbin gripper elements.

[0197] FIG. 9 shows a circular weaving machine which, like the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1, has a rotor ring 2 with two shuttles 5 and twelve warp coil devices 10, each with a warp bobbin 11, which are mounted on the hollow-cylindrical machine housing 4 of the circular weaving machine by means of a positioning device 13.

[0198] In contrast to the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1, one or more of the twelve positioning devices 13 can be moved along the circumference of the machine housing 4.

[0199] This means that the warp coil devices 10 and warp bobbins 11 can be variably displaced about the weaving axis 3 in the tangential (circumferential) direction as well as axially and parallel to the weaving axis 3 by means of the movable positioning devices 13.

[0200] Only the differences to the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1 will be described in detail below. Identical components are marked with identical reference numbers.

[0201] The positioning devices 13, which can be moved around the circumference of the circular weaving machine, can be moved or rolled along a peripheral or sectional groove 20 by means of a slide or roller element 19 or in a perforated track in the hollow-cylindrical machine housing 4 and can each be controlled by a servomotor (not shown).

[0202] This allows the warp coil devices 10 or warp bobbins 11, which are distributed over the circumference of the circular weaving machine, to be displaced tangentially around the weaving core 1a, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 9. For example, positioning device 13 can be moved from the 2 o'clock position to the 1 o'clock position and back, while adjacent positioning device 13 is moved from the 1 o'clock position to between 0 o'clock and the 1 o'clock position and back.

[0203] Furthermore, positioning devices 13 can be arranged tangentially movable on one or both sides of the weaving plane 6 formed by rotor ring 2 and weft yarns 8 on the machine housing 4.

[0204] In particular, gripper elements 14 of the positioning device 13 that are arranged on the machine housing 4 either fixed to the frame or tangentially movable on one side of the weaving plane 6 can work in cooperation with gripper elements 14 of the positioning device 13 that are arranged either fixed to the frame or tangentially movable on the other side of the weaving plane 6 (not shown).

[0205] This results in particular that, for purposes of the iterating change of the warp yarns 12, stationary bobbin grippers 14b, or bobbin grippers 14a of a positioning device 13 that may be axially moved through the weaving plane 6 with stationary bobbin grippers 14b or bobbin grippers 14a that may be axially moved through the weaving plane 6 of adjacent positioning devices 13 come into operative contact.

[0206] The flexible rotational positions and combination possibilities of the corresponding gripper elements 14 of the positioning devices 13 allow a variable path for the warp yarns 12 in relation to the weaving axis 3 and thus any bundle or gap arrangements of the warp yarns 12 woven with the weft yarns 8 on the weaving core 1 a to generate, for example, openings or reinforcements in the fabric 17as indicated in FIG. 9mechanically and with little effort.

[0207] In contrast to the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 10, the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 9 has at least one warp bobbin ring 21 which is rotatably mounted on a box-shaped machine housing 4 and on which some of the positioning devices 13 or all twelve positioning devices 13 are arranged. These positioning devices 13 or further positioning devices 13 can alternatively be arranged distributed across several warp bobbin rings 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4 as can be seen from the view according to FIG. 11.

[0208] The warp bobbin ring 21 or the warp bobbin rings 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4 is/are arranged sideways of weaving plane 6 limited by the rotor ring 2 and are each mounted concentrically about the weaving axis 3 on the machine housing 4. The pivot bearing for the warp bobbin ring 21 or the warp bobbin rings 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4 is provided in the illustrative embodiment analogous to the pivot bearing of the rotor ring 2 by means of a roller bearing attached to the machine housing 4 (shown in FIG. 11).

[0209] Each warp bobbin ring 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4 is separately driven and controlled by a motor 22 and a gear drive, so that these are moved in a certain mode (cyclically or continuously, clockwise or counter-clockwise) with the positioning devices 13 located thereon and the positioning devices 13 can assume any desired rotary position around the circular weaving machine, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 10.

[0210] The warp coil devices 10 with the warp bobbins 11 can be moved axially and thus parallel to the weaving axis 3 on the one hand and, on the other, in tangential (rotary) direction around the weaving axis 3, by means of the continuously movable positioning devices 13.

[0211] The gripper elements 14 of the positioning devices 13 mounted rotatably in this way can be combined on one or both sides of weaving plane 6 with gripper elements 14 of positioning devices 13 arranged fixed to the frame (not shown).

[0212] For example, bobbin grippers 14 of the positioning devices 13 can be arranged on one side of the weaving plane 6 on a warp bobbin ring 21 and the corresponding bobbin grippers 14 of these positioning devices 13 on the other side of the weaving plane 6 can be fixed to the frame of machine housing 4 (not shown).

[0213] As shown as an example in FIG. 11 in a semi-profile view of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 10, the positioning devices 13 can be arranged on warp bobbin rings 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4 mounted on both sides of the weaving plane 6, it being possible to move the warp bobbin rings 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4 cyclically or continuously at the same or different speed and in the same or opposite direction to each other.

[0214] In both cases, stationary, or bobbin grippers 14a, 14b that are axially moveable through the weaving plane 6, of a positioning device 13 with stationary, or bobbin grippers 14a, 14b that are axially moveable through the weaving plane 6, of adjacent positioning devices optionally come into operative connection for iterating change of the warp yarns 12.

[0215] The multitude of rotational positions and possible combinations of the gripper elements 14 (bobbin gripper 14) of the positioning devices 13 allow a particularly high variability of the course of the warp threads 12 during weaving with weft yarns 8 and thus an extraordinarily high degree of possible weaving patterns.

[0216] FIG. 11 illustrates in detail a possible variant of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 10 with two warp bobbin rings 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4 each mounted rotatably on both sides of the weaving plane 6 on the machine housing 4, i.e. two warp bobbin rings 21.1, 21.2 are located in the image plane to the left of the rotor ring 2 and the associated weaving plane 6 and two warp bobbin rings 21.3, 21.4 are located to the right.

[0217] On each bobbin ring 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, twelve warp coil devices 10 with one warp bobbin 11 each can be arranged by means of a positioning device 13 as an example.

[0218] For the sake of clarity, only two positioning devices 13.1, 13.2 in the 12 o'clock position of the circular weaving machine are shown in FIG. 11.

[0219] Each positioning device 13.1, 13.2 provides an axially movable bobbin gripper 14a and a stationary bobbin gripper 14b, which are arranged on both sides of the rotor ring 2 on a warp bobbin ring 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4.

[0220] The axially movable bobbin gripper 14a of the first positioning device 13.1 is arranged on the outer left warp bobbin ring 21.1 (in the outer left image plane). The corresponding stationary bobbin gripper 14b arranged on the other side and opposite of the weaving plane 6 is arranged on the outer, right warp bobbin ring 21.4 (in the image plane on the right outside).

[0221] The axially movable bobbin gripper 14a of the second positioning device 13.2 is arranged on the inner right warp bobbin ring 21.3 (inside right in the image plane). The corresponding stationary bobbin gripper 14b arranged on the other side and opposite of the weaving plane 6 is arranged on the inner left coil device 21.2 (inside left in the image plane).

[0222] The axially movable bobbin grippers 14a of the positioning 13.1, 13.2 and the warp bobbin rings 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4 can be individually controlled and can move or rotate in any cycles.

[0223] In the current position of the warp bobbin rings 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4 and the bobbin grippers 14a, 14b of the two positioning devices 13.1, 13.2 according to FIG. 11, the warp coil devices 10 and warp bobbins 11 are held by the bobbin grippers 14a, 14b of the two positioning 13.1, 13.2, which are mounted on the two warp bobbin rings 21.3, 21.4 arranged in the image plane to the right of the weaving plane 6 (right position of the warp bobbins 11 marked with R).

[0224] The warp coil device 10 or warp bobbin 11 located in the current position shown on the inner right warp bobbin ring 21.3 (in the image plane on the right inside) can be positioned alternately by means of the movable bobbin gripper 14a of the second positioning device 13.2 are transferred through weaving plane 6 both to the directly corresponding stationary bobbin gripper 14b on the inner left bobbin ring 21.2 (in the image plane left inside) and to the movable bobbin gripper 14a of the first positioning device 13.1 on the outer, left bobbin ring 21.1 (in the image plane left outside) (left position of the warp bobbin 11 each marked with L).

[0225] From there, the warp coil device 10 or warp bobbin 11 can subsequently be taken over again by the directly corresponding movable bobbin gripper 14a of the second positioning device 13.2 (or a tangentially adjacent positioning device 13) of the inner right-hand warp bobbin ring 21.3 or by the movable bobbin gripper 14a of the first positioning device 13.1 on the outer, left-hand warp bobbin ring 21.1 to the directly corresponding stationary bobbin gripper 14b of the first positioning device 13.1 (or to a tangentially adjacent positioning device 13) on the outer right warp coil device 21.4 (in the image plane on the right outside) or also to the movable bobbin gripper 14a of the second positioning device 13.2 (or to a tangentially adjacent positioning device 13) on the inner right warp coil device 21.3 (not shown).

[0226] Similarly, the warp coil device 10 or warp bobbin 11 held by the stationary bobbin gripper 14b of the first positioning device 13.1 on the outer right warp coil device 21.4 in currently-shown setting shown in FIG. 11 can be taken over by the directly corresponding movable bobbin gripper 14a on the outer left warp coil device 21.1 through the weaving plane 6 for their alternating positioning (left position of the warp yarn package marked with L).

[0227] From there, the warp coil device 10 or warp bobbin 11 can subsequently be returned to the corresponding stationary bobbin gripper 14b of the first positioning device 13.1 (or a tangentially adjacent positioning device 13) on the outer right warp bobbin ring 21.4 or also transferred to the movable bobbin gripper 14a of the second positioning device 13.2 (or a tangentially adjacent positioning device 13) on the inner right warp bobbin ring 21.3 (not shown).

[0228] By the relative movement of the warp bobbin rings 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4 relative to each other, the stationary or axially movable bobbin grippers 14a, 14b of the circumferentially adjacent positioning devices 13 optionally engage with each other during the alternating positioning of a warp coil device 10 with the warp bobbin 11.

[0229] The above description of the possible process sequences on the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 11 illustrates all the more the high application variability of the circular weaving machine in accordance with the invention.

[0230] FIG. 12 shows an alternative circular weaving machine compared to the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1, which instead of a rotor 2 has a circular, multi-part guide track 23 with four sub-tracks 24 that are arranged concentrically and firmly fit around a cylindrical weaving core 1a.

[0231] Identical function elements are marked with identical reference characters.

[0232] Five shuttles 5 are guided along the guide track 23, each of which is arranged in a cubic shuttle carriage 25, which has eight guide rollers 26 each, of which two guide rollers 26 are each assigned to a sub-track 24 of the guide track 23. By means of shuttle carriages 25, the shuttles 5 circulate within the multi-part guide track 23 that forms the circular continuous track 23 for guiding the rotating shuttles 5 (guide track) and defines the line of travel for the shuttles 5.

[0233] The two inner sub-tracks 24 of the multi-part guide track 23 pointing in the direction of the weaving axis 3 limit the radially extended interior of the circular continuous track 23 and thus the radial extension of the usable weaving plane 6 of the circular weaving machine, with the shuttle 5 rotating outside the weaving plane 6.

[0234] The shuttles 5 each have a weft bobbin 7, the weft yarn 8 of which is guided in a straight line between the two radially inner sub-tracks 24 to the weaving point on the weaving core 1a (clearly visible in FIG. 13). The weaving plane 6 in the radial interior of the annular guide track 23 is therefore essentially circular-disc-shapeddetermined in part by the course of the weft yarns 8.

[0235] Twelve warp coil devices 10 are arranged concentrically around the weaving core 1a, and at the same distance from each other, with one warp bobbin 11 each, which are movably mounted on the machine housing 4 by means of one positioning device 13 each. The warp yarn 12 of the warp bobbins 11 also guide the weaving core 1a in a straight line and at a variable weaving angle 16 opposite the weaving plane 6 to the weaving point on the weaving core 1a.

[0236] Each shuttle 5 is driven separately by a motor 27 attached to the shuttle carriage 25, which receives the current and the control commands via a slip ring contact from a corresponding slip ring (shown in FIG. 13).

[0237] The shuttles 5 can therefore roll independently of each other at the same or at different speeds within the guide track 23.

[0238] The positioning devices 13 for moving and positioning the warp coil devices 10 and warp bobbins 11 are designed analogously to the positioning devices 13 of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1, 2a, b, c and position the warp coils devices 10 and the warp bobbins 11, respectively, as shown in FIG. 13, on both sides of the weaving plane 6 enclosed by the two radially inner sub-tracks 24 of the guide track 23 and formed by the revolving weft threads 8.

[0239] For the sake of clarity, only the shuttles 5 and positioning devices 13 in the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions are shown in FIG. 13.

[0240] As with the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1, the axis of rotation of the weft bobbin 7 is arranged in the circumferential direction of the shuttle 5, while the axis of rotation of the warp bobbin 11 is arranged essentially parallel to the weaving plane 6 and perpendicular to the weaving axis 3, so that the feed of the weft yarn 8 and the warp yarn 12 to the weaving core 1a is largely accomplished with few or no deflections.

[0241] For purposes of the iterating change of warp yarns 12, each warp coil device 10 or each warp yarn bobbin 11 is guided through the weaving plane 6 in both directions by means of the axially movable bobbin grippers 14 a of the positioning devices 13.

[0242] Since the shuttles 5 are arranged in the inner installation space of the multi-part guide track 23 and thus run outside the weaving plane 6 enclosed by the radially inner sub-tracks 24 of the guide track 23, the lateral position of the warp coil device 10 with the warp bobbin 11 is not influenced by the required circulation space of the shuttles 5. The warp coil device 10 with the warp bobbin 11 only has to allow the weft yarns 8 to pass within the weaving plane 6 and can therefore be positioned as close as possible to the weaving plane 6; this is associated with the benefits of a very short alternating travel path for the warp coil device 10 or the warp bobbin 11 and a very small weaving 16.

[0243] By the alternating spreading of the warp yarns 12, while the five shuttles 5 rotate in symmetrical or asymmetrical distances to each other in the guide track 23, the warp yarns 12 are woven with the weft yarns 8 in the desired weaving structure, whereby the uniform weaving mode shown in FIG. 12, 13 can also be changed during the weaving process by means of the individual drive and the control of the shuttle 5 and the bobbin grippers 14a of the positioning devices 13.

[0244] Shuttle 5, which is securely guided in the grooves of the sub-tracks 24 of the guide track 23 by means of the shuttle carriage 25, can apply a particularly high thread tension to the weft yarn 8 which is carried along and enables the weaving core 1a to be woven with a very strong fabric 17.

[0245] According to this illustrative embodiment, the circular weaving machine is therefore particularly suitable for weaving an unevenly contoured weaving core 1b with contour-conforming fabrics 17 in accordance with the illustrative embodiments described above.

[0246] FIG. 14 shows a semi-profile section of an expanded circular weaving machine, which is constructed similarly to the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 12, 13 but has three multi-part, annular guide tracks (guide tracks) 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, which are arranged parallel to one another. Each of the multi-part guide tracks 23.1, 23.2, 23.3 is constructed according to guide track 23 according to FIG. 12, 13 and is equipped with two shuttles 5 (pair of shuttles), which rotate inside the multi-part guide track 23.1, 23.2, 23.3.

[0247] Only the differences compared to the embodiment of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 12, 13 will be discussed below.

[0248] The multi-part, circular guide tracks 23.1, 23.2, 23.3 each form a circular continuous track, (guide track) 23 and define the parallel guide tracks for the shuttle 5.

[0249] The two inner sub-tracks 24 of the guide tracks 23.1, 23.2, 23.3 pointing in the direction of the weaving axis 3 each radially limit the potentially usable weaving plane 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, with the shuttle 5 rotating outside these weaving planes 6.1, 6.2, 6.3.

[0250] From the shuttle 5 of the middle guide track 23.2, the weft yarns 8 for weaving the weaving core 1a are guided in a straight line between the associated inner sub-tracks 24 to the weaving point on the weaving core 1a.

[0251] The weft yarns 8 of the two flanking guide tracks 23.1, 23.3 are each guided over a yarn deflection in order to subsequently also run in a straight line to the weaving point on the weaving core 1a.

[0252] The thread deflections of the two flanking guide tracks 23.1, 23.3 serve to bring the weft yarns 8 of the parallel rotating shuttle 5 closer together and thus to combine the three weaving planes 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 determined by the guide tracks 23.1, 23.2, 23.3 and the travel of the weft yarn.

[0253] The positioning devices 13 for moving and positioning the warp coil devices 10 or the warp bobbins 11 are designed analogously to the positioning devices 13 of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1, 2a, b, c or according to FIGS. 12 and 13, whereby the warp coil devices 10 or the warp bobbins 11 are positionable on both sides of the three combined weaving planes 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 respectively.

[0254] For the sake of clarity, only the three parallel sliding shuttles 5 and one positioning device 13 are shown in FIG. 14 in the 12 o'clock position of the circular weaving machine.

[0255] The warp yarns 12 of the warp bobbins 11 travel linearly and with a variable weaving angle 16 to the weaving planes 6.1, 6.2, 6.3. to the weaving point on the weaving core 1a, wherein for alternating spreading of the warp yarns 12 each warp coil device 10 or each warp yarn bobbin 11 is guided simultaneously in both directions through the three weaving planes 6.1, 6.2, 6.3. by means of the movable bobbin grippers 14a of the positioning device 13. The combination of weaving levels 6.1, 6.2, 6.3. reduces the travel distance required for changing the position of the warp coil device 10 or the warp bobbin 11.

[0256] The weaving core 1a according to FIG. 14 shows an example of a fabric 17 produced with a weaving pattern in which the weaving mode provides for a warp yarn change after the passage of three shuttles 5, so that three weft yarns windings are woven simultaneously with one warp yarn 12.

[0257] This weaving mode can be generated in different operating modes of the circular weaving machine, for example in the operating mode in which one shuttle 5 is passed through each of the three parallel guide tracks 23.1, 23.2, 23.3 between the warp yarn change. A further mode of operation is possible in which, between the warp yarn change, a fast rotating shuttle pair 5 passes on the middle guide track 23.2 and a relatively slow rotating shuttle 5 passes on the left adjacent guide track 23.1. In a second cycle after the warp yarn change, during the repeated passage of the fast rotating shuttle pair 5 on the middle guide track 23.2, the passage of the relatively slow rotating shuttle 5 follows on the adjacent guide track 23.3 on the right.

[0258] Using the parallel guide tracks 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, shuttle 5 can be operated side by side at very different speeds, which is particularly important when processing weft yarns 8 of different weaving materials.

[0259] The shuttles 5 operated in the parallel guide tracks 23.1, 23.2, 23.3 can also rotate in the same direction of rotation or in the opposite direction, depending on the desired fabric properties.

[0260] With this expanded circular weaving machine, the ability to combine the applicable operating parameters and thread materials to achieve a wide variety of weaving patterns and fabric properties is further increased.

[0261] FIG. 15 shows a semi-profile section of a circular weaving machine which is constructed similar to the circular loom according to FIG. 12, 13, but provides a different number and arrangement of positioning devices 13.

[0262] The differences compared to the embodiment of the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 12, 13 will be discussed in particular below.

[0263] This circular weaving machine has two warp bobbin rings 21.1a, 21.1 b and 21.2a, 21.2 b on each side of weaving plane 6 formed by the multi-part guide track 23 and the course of the weft yarns 8, which may be concentrically and cascade-like rotated about the weaving axis 3.

[0264] The respective radially inner warp bobbin ring 21.1a, 21.2a on each side of weaving plane 6 is rotatably mounted by means of a central rolling bearing relative to the respective radially outer warp bobbin ring 21.1 b, 21.2 b, while the respective radially outer warp bobbin ring 21.1 b, 21.2 b is rotatably mounted relative to the radially inner warp bobbin ring 21.1a, 21.2a by means of the central rolling bearing and relative to the machine housing 4 by means of an outer rolling bearing.

[0265] Each of the warp bobbin rings 21.1a, 21.1 b, 21.2a, 21.2 b is separately driven and controlled by one motor 22 each.

[0266] Positioning devices 13 are arranged all around the warp bobbin rings 21.1a, 21.1 b and 21.2a, 21.2 b, which are each designed with two axially movable bobbin grippers 14a, 14a in accordance with the design according to FIG. 12, 13.

[0267] For the sake of clarity, only the shuttle 5 and the two positioning devices 13 in the 12 o'clock position of the circular loom are shown in FIG. 15.

[0268] The positioning devices 13, which are arranged on the cascade-like warp bobbin rings 21.1a, 21.1 b and 21.2a, 21.2 b, are thus arranged in two radially staggered circular planes concentrically around the weaving axis 3 and on both sides of weaving plane 6 and realize both the axial movement and the circumferential movement of the warp coil devices 10 and warp bobbins 11 with the aforementioned advantages.

[0269] The cascade-like warp bobbin rings 21.1a, 21.1 b and 21.2a, 21.2 b also allow many warp coil devices 10 and warp bobbins 11 to be arranged in the narrowest space, thus favouring a particularly narrow design for the circular weaving machine.

[0270] FIG. 16 shows a circular loom with a rotor ring 2 and two shuttles 5 rotating with the rotor ring 2 similar to the embodiment of the rotor ring 2 according to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0271] For the sake of clarity, only the shuttle 5 and the two positioning devices 13 in the 12 o'clock position of the circular loom are shown in FIG. 16.

[0272] In contrast to the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 1, the gripper elements/bobbin grippers 14 of the positioning devices 13 arranged on both sides of weaving plane 6 are individually guided by means of a handling robot 28.

[0273] In this embodiment of the positioning devices 13, each warp coil device 10 or warp bobbin 11 can be moved autonomously and in any axial, radial and circumferential direction to the weaving axis 3 and can be positioned at any point laterally of the weaving plane 6.

[0274] The handling robots 28 allow maximum degrees of freedom for the positioning of the warp bobbins 11 on both sides of weaving plane 6 and for the travel of the warp bobbins 11 through weaving plane 6.

[0275] FIG. 17 shows a circular weaving machine similar to the circular weaving machine with two rotor rings 2.1, 2.2 provided for according to FIG. 8b, whereby in addition to the circular weaving machine according to FIG. 8b, handling robots 29 are provided which have gripper elements which can automatically pick up the weft bobbins 7 from the shuttle 5 at standstill and deposit them on them.

[0276] This enables, on the one hand the automated exchange of used weft bobbins 7 and, on the other, the automated change of positions between the weft bobbins 7 in operation, e.g. the weft bobbins 7 of the parallel running shuttles 5 of both rotor rings 2.1, 2.2, as illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 17. This allows a special undulation of weft yarns 8 with warp yarns 12especially during the placement of a warp yarn bobbin 11 in the intermediate position between the two rotor rings 2.1, 2.2 (position M)to be achieved, whereby a fabric 17 with further special weaving patterns and fabric properties can be produced.

[0277] The features listed in the illustrative embodiments described above can be combined with one another to produce further advantageous embodiments of the circular weaving machine according to the invention, which are included within the scope of the invention.

REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST

[0278] 1 Weaving core, cylindrical a, irregular b [0279] 2 Circular continuous track, conveyor track, rotor, rotor ring .1, .2 [0280] 3 Weaving axis [0281] 4 Machine housing [0282] 5 Shuttle [0283] 6 Weaving plane .1, .2, .3 [0284] 7 Weft yarn bobbin, weft bobbin [0285] 8 Weft yarn [0286] 9 Rotor motor .1, .2 [0287] 10 Warp coil device [0288] 11 Warp yarn bobbin, warp bobbin [0289] 12 Warp yarn [0290] 13 Positioning device [0291] 14 Bobbin gripper, moveable a, stationary b, gripper element [0292] 15 Guiding rods [0293] 16 Weaving angle [0294] 17 Hollow profile-like fabric [0295] 18 Shuttle holder [0296] 19 Glide or roller element [0297] 20 Slot [0298] 21 Warp bobbin ring .1, .2, .3, .4, radial inner a, radial outer b [0299] 22 Warp bobbin ring motor [0300] 23 Circular continuous track, guideway, guide track .1, .2, .3 [0301] 24 Sub-track [0302] 25 Shuttle carriage [0303] 26 Guide roller [0304] 27 Shuttle motor [0305] 28 Handling robot for the positioning device [0306] 29 Weft bobbin handling robot.