Method for formation of three-dimensional woven fabric and apparatus therefor

A method for the formation of a three-dimensional woven fabric, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) causing arms of carriers disposed around one component yarn out of three mutually perpendicular component yarns to be rotated in the state of separately holding the yarn ends of the other two component yarns in said carrier arms of said carriers;
• (b) effecting transfer of said yarn ends between opposing carrier arms of adjacent carrier;
• and
• (c) successively effecting transfer of yarns to carrier arms of the subsequent carriers, thereby allowing said two component yarns to be displaced and zigzagged at least partially relative to the remaining one component yarn.

An apparatus for the formation of a three-dimensional woven fabric, said apparatus comprising:

• (a) a multiplicity of carriers arrayed longitudinally and laterally on a carrier fixing plate, said carriers being each provided with a carrier shaft which incorporates therein an insertion hole and is provided with means for rotating said carrier;
• (b) a carrier arm formed of a pair of arm pieces and disposed on said carrier shaft and possessed of at least one arm piece adapted to be opened and closed to effect transfer of yarns between adjacent carriers;
• and
• (c) means for rotationally driving said arm piece of said carrier arm, said means comprising a cam disposed coaxially on said carrier shaft, a toothed wheel for rotationally driving said cam, a lever operatively connected to said cam so as to oscillate in contact with said cam, a toothed wheel, and a rack for transforming the oscillation of said lever into a rotational movement and causing rotation of at least one of said arm pieces.