Integrated braiding and needle punching preform forming method and preform forming device

An integrated braiding and needle punching preform forming method, comprising following steps:

• (1) arranging two gripping devices at two ends of a braiding machine, and using the gripping device at one end of the braiding machine to grip one end of a mandrel, the mandrel moving along an axis thereof, causing yarns to form a first layer of fabric on a surface of the mandrel covering the surface of the mandrel;
• (2) ceasing to braid after completing the first layer of fabric in step (1);
• (3) laying a felt on the first layer of fabric covering the surface of the mandrel by using an automatic felt laying device, and performing pre-needle punching by a needle punching device to make the felt adhere to a surface of the first layer of fabric;
• (4) releasing one end of the mandrel from the gripping device that gripped the mandrel;
• (5) at the same time, the gripping device at the other end of the braiding machine gripping the other end of the mandrel and moving in a direction opposite to the mandrel moving along the axis as in step (1), continuing to braid a second layer of fabric, and ensuring that the second layer of fabric closely adheres to and completely covers a surface of the felt;
• (6) repeating the above steps to achieve the multiple layers of braided fabric and the felt in alternate and tight adhesion to form a preform;
• and
• (7) finally, performing main needle punching on the preform by using the automatic needle punching device.