Patent Publication Number: US-11047074-B2

Title: Weaving machine and corresponding weaving method

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The invention relates to the field of weaving, and more specifically to the field of weaving machines and industrial weaving methods for manufacturing fabrics, notably composite fabrics designed for use as strengthening elements for tyres. 
     Industrial weaving machines are known for manufacturing fabrics for multiple applications, such as making textile products. 
     Conventionally, a weaving machine has a structure bearing a plurality of warp threads extending in a first direction. A heddle mechanism selectively moves at least some of the plurality of warp threads to form first and second sheets of warp threads. 
     An industrial weaving machine also has a weft-thread feed spool mounted on the structure and means for laying this thread, for example a needle. The needle catches an end of the weft thread from the spool such as to move this weft thread between the first and second sheets of warp threads in a second direction perpendicular or oblique to the first direction. The needle releases the end of the weft thread once said thread has passed the plurality of warp threads. The weft thread is then cut at a portion located at the end opposite the end that has just been released. The needle is returned to the starting position thereof, the warp threads are moved selectively to form sheets according to a different arrangement, then the actions described above are repeated to lay in new portion of weft thread between the sheets. 
     Such industrial weaving machines enable production of fabrics at a high rate while enabling a satisfactory laying quality of the weft thread. 
     However, a drawback of industrial weaving machines is that the diversity of fabrics produced using such machines is limited. Notably, a conventional industrial weaving machine of the type described above only enables production of fabrics with a discontinuous weft thread. 
     In consideration of the foregoing, the invention is intended to propose an industrial weaving machine and an industrial weaving method that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. 
     More specifically, the invention is intended to provide an industrial weaving machine and an industrial weaving method that is able to produce a significant range of fabrics at a fast rate, in particular continuous weft thread fabrics, without complicating the design of the weaving machine or complicating the work of the operator. 
     SUMMARY 
     For this purpose, a weaving machine is proposed, comprising a structure able to support a plurality of warp threads extending in a first direction, a heddle mechanism capable of selectively moving at least some of the plurality of warp threads to form first and second sheets of warp threads, at least one weft-thread feed spool, and at least one support shuttle for said feed spool. 
     According to a general feature, this weaving machine also includes an actuating device able to control a movement of said shuttle between the first and second sheets of warp threads in at least one second direction transverse to the first direction, and in both senses relative to said second direction, to continuously lay the weft thread coming from the feed spool between said sheets and in said second direction. 
     Such a weaving machine helps to improve the diversity of fabrics that can be produced, in particular continuous weft thread fabrics, at a fast production rate, while maintaining a simple design of the weaving machine and without complicating the work of the operator. ‘Second direction transverse to the first direction’ means that the second direction is secant to the first direction, i.e. not parallel to the first direction. Unlike a discontinuous weft-thread fabric, a continuous weft-thread fabric is a fabric in which the weft thread makes several passes between the plurality of warp threads, said weft thread being a single continuous portion, i.e. unbroken. 
     According to one embodiment, the weaving machine has means for adjusting a weaving angle corresponding to the angle formed between the second direction and the first direction. 
     The weaving machine according to this embodiment also makes it possible to vary the weaving angle, the angle formed between the direction of the weft thread and the direction of the warp threads, such as to further increase the diversity of fabrics that can be obtained. 
     Advantageously, said adjustment means are designed to enable a variation in the weaving angle between 40° and 90°. 
     According to one embodiment, the adjustment means include a mechanical pivot link designed to enable the actuating device to pivot about a direction perpendicular to the direction of the movement of the shuttle. 
     Advantageously, the adjustment means include a sliding mechanical link designed to enable the translational movement of a stop element for stopping the movement of the shuttle. 
     Preferably, the actuating device includes a rack actuator and means for hitching a movable element of the rack actuator to said shuttle. 
     The use of a rack actuator coupled to hitching means makes it possible to simply and reliably move the shuttle between the sheets of weft threads. Furthermore, the rack guides the movement of the shuttle, which makes the weaving machine particularly suited to large diameter weft threads (in the range 0.5 mm to 1.4 mm), such as those typically used in tyre strengthening fabric. 
     According to one embodiment, the hitching means include a first ferromagnetic element designed to cooperate with a second ferromagnetic element mounted on said shuttle, at least one of the first and second ferromagnetic elements being an electromagnet or a permanent magnet. 
     Throughout the present application, the term ‘ferromagnetic’ is used according to the normal sense, i.e. a ferromagnetic material is a material that can be magnetized under the effect of an external magnetic field. 
     The use of hitching means including ferromagnetic elements helps to keep the design of the weaving machine simple, without complicating the work of the operator and maintaining a satisfactory level of reliability when using the machine. 
     According to one embodiment, the structure has a device for disconnecting said shuttle from the actuating device, said disconnection device having an electromagnet or a permanent magnet. 
     The use of such a disconnection device notably including an electromagnet and/or a permanent magnet, like the hitching means including ferromagnetic elements, makes it possible to optimize the compromise between simplicity of design, complexity of the work of the operator and usage reliability of the machine. 
     In an advantageous embodiment, the hitching means and the disconnection device together have three permanent magnets and one electromagnet. This simplifies the design of the machine. 
     According to one embodiment, the machine also has a slatted beater, said beater being removable. 
     Slatted beaters are particularly suitable for weaving machines used to manufacture composite fabrics intended for use in tyres, in consideration of the stiffness of the materials used to form the warp threads and/or the weft threads, and the resulting friction. Furthermore, the use of removable beaters enables the use of beaters that are particularly suited to a particular type of fabric to be obtained using the weaving machine, such as a fabric having a specific weaving angle, for example. 
     Advantageously, the structure has at least one clamp positioned on one side of the plurality of warp threads in line with the second direction, said at least one clamp being designed to capture a weft thread when said weft thread is laid between the warp threads. 
     Preferably, the spool has means for orienting the output direction of the weft thread from the spool. 
     According to another aspect, a weaving method is proposed that uses a weaving machine including a plurality of warp threads extending in a first direction, in which at least some of the plurality of warp threads are moved selectively to form first and second sheets of warp threads, then an actuating device is controlled to move at least one support shuttle for at least one feed spool for weft thread between the first and second sheets of warp threads in at least one second direction transverse to the first direction, and in both senses relative to said second direction, to continuously lay the weft thread coming from the feed spool between said sheets and in said second direction. 
     In an advantageous embodiment, the following steps are implemented:
         hitching means of a movable element of the actuating device are actuated to rigidly connect said shuttle and said movable element together,   said movable element is commanded to move between the first and second sheets of warp threads in said second direction and in a first sense,   a device for disconnecting said shuttle from the actuating device is activated,   said movable element is commanded to move between the first and second sheets of warp threads in said second direction and in a second sense opposite the first sense,   at least some of the plurality of warp threads are moved selectively to change the position of the first and second sheets of warp threads,   said movable element is commanded to move between the first and second sheets of warp threads in said second direction and in the first sense,   the disconnection device is deactivated, and   said movable element is commanded to move between the first and second sheets of warp threads in said second direction and in the second sense.       

     Preferably, the warp thread is made of metal and/or the weft thread is made of a textile material. The metal warp thread is advantageously made of steel. 
     According to another aspect, a fabric obtained using a method such as the one described above is proposed. 
     According to yet another aspect, a tyre is proposed that has a crown comprising a belt reinforcement and a sculpted tread extended by two flanks, in which at least one tyre zone is reinforced by a fabric obtained using the method. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Other objectives, features and advantages of the invention are set out in the description below, given purely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic top view of a weaving machine according to an example embodiment of the invention, 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-section view along the line II-II in  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the weaving machine in  FIGS. 1 and 2  according to a different weaving arrangement, 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic representation of the operating principle of a heddle mechanism of the weaving machine in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of a spool and of a support shuttle for the weaving machine in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  are top views of two slatted beaters of the weaving machine in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of a fabric obtained using the weaving method according to the invention, 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of a calendered product including the fabric in  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 to 3  show a weaving machine  2  according to an example embodiment of the invention. The weaving machine  2  is used to produce fabrics, notably composite fabrics, and more specifically fabrics intended to reinforce tyres. More specifically, the fabrics produced are intended to be enveloped in a rubber mixture by calendering such as to form calendered products. The machine  2  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  according to a first operating arrangement and in  FIG. 3  according to a second operating arrangement. The machine  2  has a structure  4  forming the frame thereof. 
     For the sake of clarity and comprehension, an orthonormal vector base  6  relating to the structure  4  is provided. The base  6  comprises a vector {right arrow over (x)}, a vector {right arrow over (y)} and a vector {right arrow over (z)}. As shown in the figures, the vector {right arrow over (x)} is oriented parallel to a transverse direction of the structure  4 , the vector {right arrow over (y)} being parallel to a longitudinal direction of the structure  4 . The weaving machine  2  is designed to be installed such that the vector {right arrow over (z)} relating to the structure  4  is vertical and oriented upwards. In other words, the vector {right arrow over (z)} is parallel to a vertical direction defined in relation to the structure  4 . In these conditions, the plane formed by the vectors {right arrow over (x)} and {right arrow over (y)} is horizontal. 
     In the present application, the expressions ‘downwards’, ‘upwards’, ‘lower’ and ‘upper’ shall be understood with reference to the base  6  with the weaving machine  2  installed normally, i.e. assuming that the vector {right arrow over (z)} is oriented vertically upwards. Equally, the terms ‘left’ and ‘right’ shall be understood relatively in relation to the vector {right arrow over (x)}, the left-hand side being the starting point of the vector {right arrow over (x)} and the right-hand side being the end point of the vector {right arrow over (x)}. 
     The structure  4  has an oblong-shaped main body  8  oriented in the direction of the vector {right arrow over (y)}. The body  8  is extended by a first cross arm  10  and a second cross arm  12 . The cross arms  10  and  12  extend from the two respective ends of the body  8  in the direction and sense of the vector {right arrow over (x)}. Each of the arms  10 ,  12  is oblong shaped and is oriented parallel to the direction of the vector {right arrow over (x)}. The arms  10  and  12  are of the same length. The structure  4  also has a longitudinal arm  14 . The arm  14  is connected on one side to the end of the arm  10  opposite the connection end to the body  8  and on the other side to the end of the arm  12  opposite the connection end to the body  8 . The arms  14  extend between these ends in the direction of the vector {right arrow over (y)}. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the structure  4  also has a cross beam  15  linking the main body  8  to the longitudinal arm  14 . More specifically, the beam  15  extends in the direction of the vector {right arrow over (x)} from a lower portion (not referenced) of the body  8  to a lower portion (not referenced) of the arm  14 . The beam  15  also has a shaft  17  extending in the direction of the vector {right arrow over (z)}. In the example shown, the shaft  17  is positioned on the beam  14  at a distance from the body  8  of between one half and three quarters of the length of the beam  14 . However, it is understood that the shaft  17  can be placed at a different position on the beam  15  or on the body  8  or on the arm  14  without thereby moving outside the scope of the invention. 
     The structure  4  carries a plurality of warp threads indicated as a whole using reference sign  16 . In the example shown, ten warp threads  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c ,  16   d ,  16   e ,  16   f ,  16   g ,  16   h ,  16   i  and  16   j  are arranged in succession and in this order in the direction and the sense of the vector {right arrow over (x)}. Naturally, the number of threads shown here is in no way limiting. 
     With the help of the structure  4 , and more specifically the arms  10  and  12 , the warp threads  16  extend in the longitudinal direction of the structure  4  parallel to the vector {right arrow over (y)}. For example, the arm  10  can have a perforated plate (not shown), the warp threads  16  passing respectively through the perforations in the perforated plate held by the arm  10 . On the other side, the arm  12  can have two rollers (not shown) between which the fabric made is passed. Alternatively, a single roller about which the fabric made is wound can be provided. Thus, the arms  10  and  12  hold the portion of the warp threads  16  facing the arms  10  and  12  in the direction of the vectors {right arrow over (x)} and {right arrow over (z)}. 
     The weaving machine  2  can also have a feed mechanism (not shown) for the fabric and therefore the warp threads  16 . In a known manner, such a mechanism can include an electric motor (not shown) driving a roller causing the simultaneous movement of the fabric and therefore the warp threads  16  in the direction of the vector {right arrow over (y)}. 
     The structure  4  is also provided with a heddle mechanism  18  including an upper cross arm  20  and a lower cross arm  22  that face one another vertically. The arm  20  has a vertical portion (not referenced) extending from the upper surface of the body  8  in the direction and in the sense of the vector {right arrow over (z)}. The arm  22  has a vertical portion (not referenced) extending from a lower surface of the body  8  in the direction of the vector {right arrow over (z)} and in the sense opposite the vector {right arrow over (z)}. Each arm  20 ,  22  has a horizontal portion (not referenced) extending respectively from the upper or lower end of the vertical portion of said arm  20 ,  22  in the direction and in the sense of the vector {right arrow over (x)}. 
     The operating principle of the heddle mechanism  18  is shown schematically in  FIG. 4 . The heddle mechanism  18  also has a plurality of heddles indicated as a whole using reference sign  24 . In this case, the mechanism  18  has ten heddles  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   d ,  24   e ,  24   f ,  24   g ,  24   h ,  24   i  and  24   j . The heddles  24  are oriented in the direction of the vector {right arrow over (z)}, the mechanism  18  having means (not shown) designed to selectively move each heddle  24   a  to  24   j  in translation in relation to the structure  4  in the direction of the vector {right arrow over (z)}. Furthermore, each heddle  24   a  to  24   j  is located in the planed formed by each warp thread  16   a  to  16   j , respectively, and by the vector {right arrow over (z)}. Each heddle  24   a  to  24   j  has a thread or a metal bar extending on either side of an eyelet  26  through which the related warp thread  16   a  to  16   j  is passed. 
     The heddle mechanism  18  can be used to selectively move at least some of the warp threads  16  such as to form several sheets of warp threads. More specifically, in the example embodiment shown, the mechanism  18  is designed to selectively move half of the heddles upwards and the other half of the heddles downwards. The heddle mechanism  18  thus divides the heddles  24  into two groups of heddles, a first group comprising the heddles  24   b ,  24   d ,  24   f ,  24   h  and  24   j  and a second group comprising the heddles  24   a ,  24   c ,  24   e ,  24   g  and  24   i . The mechanism  18  thus forms two sheets, one lower and the other upper. The sheets correspond respectively to the threads associated with the first group and to the threads associated with the second group, the mechanism  18  then periodically alternating the position of the two sheets. 
     Again with reference to  FIG. 2 , the mechanism  18  has caused the first group of heddles  24  to move in the sense opposite the vector {right arrow over (z)} and the mechanism  18  has caused the second group of heddles  24  to move in the sense of the vector {right arrow over (z)}. As a result, half of the warp threads  16 , and more specifically the warp threads  16   a ,  16   c ,  16   e ,  16   g  and  16   i , are selectively shifted downwards in relation to the structure  4  and form a first lower sheet  28 . Equally, the other half of the warp threads  16 , i.e. the warp threads  16   b ,  16   d ,  16   f ,  16   h  and  16   i , are shifted upwards in relation to the structure  4  to form a second upper sheet  30 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the machine  2  has a moveable oblong section  31 . The section  31  is mounted rotatably about the shaft  17 . This means that the section  31  pivots about the direction of the vector {right arrow over (z)} in relation to the beam  15  and the structure  4 . The longitudinal direction of the section  31  forms an angle α with the direction of the vector {right arrow over (y)}. As explained below, the angle α is the weaving angle used by the machine  2 . 
     More specifically, the angle α can vary between a first extreme value α 1  and a second extreme value α 2 . In the example shown, the angle α 1  is substantially equal to 90°, the angle α 2  being substantially equal to 40°.  FIGS. 1 and 3  respectively show the section  31  pivoted according to two different operating arrangements of the machine  2 , the arrangement in  FIG. 1  corresponding to an angle α 1 , and the arrangement in  FIG. 2  corresponding to an angle α 2 . 
     In the example shown, the shaft  17  has an electric motor (not shown) for driving the section  31  in rotation about the direction of the vector {right arrow over (z)}. Other means may nonetheless be used to cause this rotation without thereby moving outside the scope of the invention. For example, in a variant, the rotation of the section  31  about the direction of the vector {right arrow over (z)} in relation to the structure  4  is caused manually by the operator. 
     Again with reference to  FIG. 1 , the machine  2  also has an actuating device  32  mounted on the arm  14 . As explained below, the actuating device  32  is provided to cause the movement of a weft-thread spool in order to carry out the weaving. To do so, the actuating device  32  notably has a rod  33 , the longitudinal direction of which coincides with the weaving direction used by the machine  2 . The rod  33  is mounted on the section  31  such that the longitudinal direction thereof substantially coincides with the longitudinal direction of the section  31 . Consequently, the angle formed between the longitudinal direction of the rod  33  and the direction of the vector  9  is equal to the angle α. More specifically, the rod  33  is mounted on a pin  34  extending from one end of the section  31  in the direction and the sense of the vector Y. In the example shown, the pin  34  extends from the end of the section  31  adjacent to the arm  14 , although the pin may also extend from the other end of the section  31  without thereby moving outside the scope of the invention. The rod  33  has two ends  35  and  37  that are opposite one another. 
     The actuating device  32  has a rack actuator (not shown) that is intended to cause the rod  33  to move in translation in relation to the pin  34 . For this purpose, the rack actuator can include an electric motor for driving a pinion gear cooperating with a rack. For example, the electric motor has a casing rigidly connected to the movable portion of the pin  34 , the pinion gear meshing with a rack that is part of the rod  33  and that extends in the longitudinal direction of said rod  33 . The rack advantageously extends over the entire length of the rod  33  between the ends  35  and  37 . Consequently, the rod  33  can move between a first end position in which the end  35  is close to the pin  34 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , and a second end position (not shown) in which the end  37  is close to the pin  34 . 
     Thus, the pivoting section  31  and the rack actuator (not shown) can be used to move the rod  33  in rotation about the direction of the vector {right arrow over (z)} and in translation in the longitudinal direction of the rod  33 , in relation to the structure  4 . 
     The actuating device  32  also has hitching means. The hitching means are intended to enable the rod  33  to be rigidly connected to a support shuttle for the weft-thread feed spool. For this purpose, the end  35  of the rod  33  has a permanent magnet  36 . As explained below, the permanent magnet  36  is designed to cooperate with a corresponding permanent magnet on the shuttle. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the machine  2  also includes a support  67 . The support  67  is deliberately not shown in  FIG. 2  to enhance the clarity of the drawing. The support  67  has a substantially parallelepiped shape and includes an attachment screw  69 . The support  67  is mechanically connected to the structure  4  using a sliding mechanical link in relation to the direction of the vector  9 . As explained below with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the screw  69  is provided to attach a beater. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , the machine  2  has a spool  38  including a shaft  40  and a cylindrical magazine  42 . A weft thread  43  is wound about the cylindrical wall of said magazine  42 . The shaft  40  is mechanically and removably connected to a support shuttle  44  of the spool  38 . More specifically, the spool  38  is able to pivot about its shaft  40  in relation to the shuttle  44 . 
     The shuttle  44  is oblong shaped, and the longitudinal direction of the shuttle  44  coincides substantially with the direction of the shaft  40 . The shuttle  44  has two ends  45  and  47 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 , the shuttle  44  has a permanent magnet  46  arranged on the end  45  thereof. The magnet  46  is polarized such as to be attracted by the magnet  36 . More specifically, the magnets  36  and  46  are designed to impart a magnetic attraction force ε 36-46  enabling the shuttle  44  supporting the spool  38  to remain attached to the shaft  33 . In other words, in the absence of other forces, the shuttle  44  supporting the spool  38  forms an assembly rigidly connected to the end  35 . 
     In this case, the magnets  36  and  46  are dimensioned such that the force ε 36-46  satisfies the following inequation:
 
ε 36-46   ≥m ·( g+a   max ),
 
     in which: 
     m is the mass of the shuttle  44  supporting the spool  38  loaded with weft thread  43 , 
     g is the acceleration of gravity, and 
     a max  is the maximum acceleration undergone by the rod  33  during movement thereof in relation to the structure  4 . 
     The machine  2  also has a disconnection device  48  that is used to exert an additional force on the shuttle  44  such as to break the rigid assembly formed by the rod  33  on one hand and by the shuttle  44  and the spool  38  on the other hand. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the disconnection device  48  has an electromagnet  50  mounted on a support  52 . The support  52  is mounted on the section  31  as a longitudinal extension of the rod  33  and at an end of the section  31  opposite the end on which the pin  34  is located. As shown in  FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 , the disconnection device  48  has a permanent magnet  54  built into the second end  47  of the shuttle  44 . The magnet  54  is polarized such that, when the electromagnet  50  is powered with electrical energy, the magnet  54  and the electromagnet  50  exert an electromagnetic attraction force ε 50-54  sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction force ε 36-46 . 
     In this case, the electromagnet  50  and the permanent magnet  54  are dimensioned such that the force ε50-54 is strictly greater than the force ε36-46, and preferably equal to or greater than the force ε36-46 multiplied by a factor of at least 1.5. 
     As explained below, the actuating device  32  moves the spool  38  in translation in the longitudinal direction of the rod  33  such as to arrange the weft thread  43  in that same longitudinal direction of the rod  33 . Consequently, the laying direction of the weft thread  43  coincides with the longitudinal direction of the rod  33  and the weaving angle, which is the angle formed between the direction of the weft thread  43  laid and the direction of the warp threads  16 , is the angle α. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the machine  2  also has a control device  58  including hardware and software means for controlling the different actuators of the machine  2 . More specifically and in the example shown, the control device controls:
         the means designed to selectively move the heddles  24 ,   the electric motor for driving the section  31  in rotation,   the electric motor of the rack actuator, and   the electromagnet  50 .       

     When the section  31  is rotated by the electric drive motor, the control device  58  can also have an input interface for a weaving angle α consigne . As a function of the angle α consigne , the device is 58 controls the rotation of the pin  34  such that the angle α is equal to the angle α consigne . The input interface can also be used to enter other instruction parameters, such as an instruction for making a fabric with a plain weave or taffeta, a twill weave, a satin weave or an equivalent weave. 
     In the example shown, the heddle mechanism  18  is designed to split the heddles  24  into two groups of heddles. However, the number of heddle groups can be increased to make the fabric produced more flexible without thereby moving outside the scope of the invention. For example, the use of three or four groups of heddles makes it possible to achieve greater flexibility, without thereby significantly complicating the weaving method. 
     For example, in an arrangement in which the mechanism  18  splits the heddles  24  into four groups of heddles, a first group comprises the heddles  24   a ,  24   e  and  24   i , a second group comprises the heddles  24   b ,  24   f  and  24   j , a third group comprises the heddles  24   c  and  24   g , and a fourth group comprises the heddles  24   d  and  24   h . The heddle mechanism  18  is then appropriately arranged to distribute the groups of heddles into two sheets and to modify this distribution periodically. More specifically, the mechanism implements four successive steps. In each of the first, second, third and fourth steps respectively, the first, second, third or fourth group of heddles forms the first sheet, and the other three groups of heddles form the second sheet. The mechanism  18  is designed to repeat the succession of these four steps as long as the machine  2  is being used. Such an arrangement notably enables a fabric with a satin weave to be obtained. An arrangement in which the mechanism  18  divides the heddles  24  into three groups of heddles notably enables a fabric with a twill weave to be obtained. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show two beaters  64  and  66  of the weaving machine  2  schematically. The beaters  64  and  66  are designed to be mounted on the support  67  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). The beater  64  has a plurality of slats  68  forming an angle of 70° in relation to the longitudinal direction of the beater. The beater  66  has a plurality of slats  70  forming an angle of 45° in relation to the longitudinal direction of the beater. The projection of the length of each beater  64  and  66  in relation to the direction perpendicular to the plane of the respective slat  68  and  70  is substantially equal to a single value p. The value p is substantially greater than the distance, in the direction of the vector {right arrow over (x)}, between the warp threads  16   a  and  16   j . To mount a beater  64  or  66  on the support  67 , the attachment screw  69  is engaged in a threaded borehole (not shown) in the beater  64  or  66 . The angle formed between the longitudinal direction of the beater and the longitudinal direction of the support  67  is adjusted such that the slats  68  or  70  are substantially parallel to the plane formed by the vectors {right arrow over (y)} and {right arrow over (z)}. 
     Advantageously, the machine  2  is provided with a plurality of beaters similar to the beaters  64  and  66 , the slats of which form different angles in relation to the longitudinal direction of said beaters. For example, the machine  2  has a beater in which the slats form a 90° angle in relation to the longitudinal direction of said beater, a beater with a corresponding angle of 85°, a beater with a corresponding angle of 80°, etc. As explained below, this plurality of beaters forms a tool to enable the operator to produce fabrics with variable weaving angles. 
     Again with reference to  FIG. 5 , the shuttle  44  is provided with a guide device for the weft thread  43 . The guide device has a first rod  72  extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shuttle  44  and a second rod  74 . One of the ends of the second rod  74  is linked to the first rod  72  using pivot linking means  76 . The other end of the second rod  74  has a guide fork  78  with two branches  80  and  82 . The weft thread  43  passes between the branches  80  and  82  of the fork  78 . The guide angle β formed between the rods  72  and  74  is adjusted as a function of the weaving angle in use by the machine  2 . Selecting the appropriate angle β helps to improve control over the tension of the thread  43  laid. 
     In the example shown, a single shuttle  44  is provided with a guide device with an adjustable guide angle β. A plurality of shuttles having guide devices with different guide angles β can naturally be provided without thereby moving outside the scope of the invention, such that a shuttle having a guide device with a particular guide angle β is suited to each weaving angle. Such an alternative has the advantage of keeping the design of the shuttle  44  simple. Furthermore, since the shuttle is held in relation to the structure  4  using magnetic means, it is particularly easy to carry out the assembly, disassembly and replacement steps for the shuttles. 
     As mentioned previously, the shuttle  44  is held in relation to the structure  4  by three permanent magnets  36 ,  46  and  54  respectively provided on the rod  33  and at the ends  45  and  47  of the shuttle  44 , and by an electromagnet  50  provided on the support  52 . However, different magnetic means may be used without thereby moving outside the scope of the invention. In particular, at least one of the permanent magnets  36 ,  46  and  54  can be replaced by an electromagnet, in which case the electromagnet  50  can be replaced by a permanent magnet. 
     In other words, the assembly formed by the hitching means and the disconnection device  48  includes a single electromagnet and two or three permanent magnets. This enables the shuttle  44  to be moved without increasing the complexity of the weaving machine  2 . 
     However, the arrangement in the example shown is advantageous where only one electromagnet needs to be powered, or where the electromagnet is easier to power if the electromagnet is mounted on the support  52  than if it were mounted on the shuttle  44 , and to a lesser extent on the rod  33 . 
     The weaving machine  2  can be used to implement the method according to the following non-limiting example embodiment of the invention. According to this example embodiment, the weaving method is intended to obtain a fabric with a weaving angle of 70°. However, the machine  2  can also be used to obtain a fabric having different parameters, notably forming any weaving angle of between 40° and 90°. 
     In this example embodiment, at the starting state of the method, the machine  2  is arranged according to the arrangement shown in  FIG. 1 . In other words, the section  31  forms an angle α of 90° in relation to the vector  9  and the shuttle  44  supports a spool  38  loaded with a weft thread  43 . The shuttle  44  is attached using the magnets  36  and  46  to the end  35  of the rod  33 , the rod  33  being arranged such that the end  35  is close to the pin  34 . The electromagnet  50  is not powered with electrical energy. 
     During a first step, an operator uses the input interface of the device  58  to enter the instruction parameters. More specifically, the operator uses the input interface to enter a specific weaving angle, if required. In the present example embodiment, the operator enters a weaving angle α consigne =700 and a continuous weft-thread fabric. 
     During the second step, the device  58  controls the electric drive motor of the section  31  such that the angle α is equal to the angle α consigne . At the same time, the rod  33  pivots about the direction of the vector {right arrow over (z)} to be positioned parallel to the direction of the weave, the end  35  being close to the pin  34 . At this instant, the rod  33  is said to be arranged in the starting position. 
     In a third step, the operator selects a beater suited to the chosen angle α consigne  selected from the plurality of beaters provided with the machine  2 . More specifically, the operator selects a slatted beater in which the slats form an angle with the longitudinal direction of the beater corresponding to the value of the angle α consigne . The operator then places the beater Selected on the movable support  68  thereof. 
     In a fourth step, the heddle mechanism  18  selectively moves a portion of the warp threads  16  such as to form an upper sheet and a lower sheet. In other words, the heddles  24   a ,  24   c ,  24   e ,  24   g  and  24   i  are shifted downwards and the heddles  24   b ,  24   d ,  24   f ,  24   h  and  24   j  are shifted upwards. Consequently, the warp threads  16   a ,  16   c ,  16   e ,  16   g  and  16   i  are selectively moved downwards and the warp threads  16   b ,  16   d ,  16   f ,  16   h  and  16   j  are selectively moved upwards. In other words, the weft threads  16  are moved selectively such as to form the sheets  28  and  30 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     In a fifth step, the device  58  controls the rack actuator such as to move the rod  33  towards the electromagnet  50 . The rod  33  is thus moved leftwards (with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) until the end  47  of the shuttle  44  comes into contact with the electromagnet  50 . During this step, the spool  38  is unwound so that the weft thread  43  is laid in the longitudinal direction of the rod  33  between the sheets  28  and  30 . 
     During a subsequent sixth step, the device  58  powers the electromagnet  50  with electrical energy. The force ε50-54 then it appears and the rigid assembly formed by the rod  33  on one hand and the shuttle  44  on the other is disconnected. The shuttle  44  is then rigidly connected to the electromagnet  50 . 
     During a seventh step, the device  58  controls the rack actuator such as to return the rod  33  disconnected from the shuttle  44  to the starting position. The rod  33  is then moved rightwards (with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) until the end  35  is again close to the pin  34 . 
     During a subsequent eighth step, the heddle mechanism  18  selectively moves some of the warp threads  16  to a different arrangement than in the fourth step. The heddles  24   b ,  24   d ,  24   f ,  24   h  and  24   j  are then shifted downwards and the heddles  24   a ,  24   c ,  24   e ,  24   g  and  24   i  are shifted upwards. The warp threads  16   b ,  16   d ,  16   f ,  16   h  and  16   j  are therefore selectively moved downwards and the warp threads  16   a ,  16   c ,  16   e ,  16   g  and  16   i  are moved upwards. At the end of the eighth step, the position of the sheets  28  and  30  is then inverted in relation to the position thereof at the end of the fourth step. 
     In a ninth step, the device  58  again controls the rack actuator such as to move the rod  33  towards the electromagnet  50 . The ninth step ends when the end  35  comes into contact with the end  45  of the shuttle  44 . 
     During a tenth step, the device  58  deactivates the electrical energy supply to the electromagnet  50 . This causes the force ε 50-54  to disappear, such that the shuttle  44  again forms a rigid assembly with the rod  33 . 
     During an eleventh step, the device  58  controls the rack actuator such as to return the rod  33  to the starting position. The rod  33  is moved rightwards (with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) until the end  35  of the rod  33  is close to the pin  34 . During this step, the spool  38  is unwound so that the weft thread  43  is laid in the longitudinal direction of the rod  33  between the sheets  28  and  30 . 
     The method includes a twelfth step of beating the weft thread laid. During this step, the beater (not shown) mounted by the operator is moved in translation in the direction and the sense of the vector {right arrow over (y)}. The beater, initially positioned between the heddle mechanism  18  and the being  15 , moves beyond the beam  15  such as to push and beat the weft thread laid to an end position (not shown) between the beam  15  and the arm  12 . 
     These twelve steps can be repeated as many times as required to obtain a fabric long enough for the intended use. 
     Advantageously, the machine  2  can also have clamps (not shown) mounted on the structure  4 , and more specifically respectively mounted on the body  8  and on the arms  14 , or on the section  31 . The clamps are intended to maintain the tension of the weft thread when a weft thread is being laid between the warp threads  16 . More specifically, each clamp respectively holds a portion of the weft thread Located to the left of the warp thread  16   a  And a portion of the weft thread Located to the right of the warp thread  16   j . This hold is advantageously applied after the weft thread has been laid and before the beater is moved. 
     Thus, the weaving machine  2  and the method described above can be used to produce a continuous weft thread fabric with a variable weaving angle other than 90°. Furthermore, the overall production rate remains the same as with a conventional industrial weaving machine. Furthermore, the weaving machine does not have a more complex design and the corresponding weaving method does not involve any steps that are particularly complex for the operator. Compared to a conventional industrial weaving machine, the invention also makes it possible to control the tension of the weft thread laid at a weaving angle other than 90°. This results in a better quality fabric. 
     In the example embodiment illustrated, the machine  2  makes it possible to obtain a fabric with a continuous weft thread. However, the weaving machine  2  can also be used to obtain a fabric with a discontinuous weft thread without there by moving outside the scope of the invention. To do so, a cutting member designed to cut the weft thread with each pass of the shuttle  44  need simply be provided. 
     A particularly beneficial application of such a weaving machine relates to the manufacture of tyres. Indeed, by enabling the production of warp threads with continuous weft threads at a weaving angle other than 90°, the fabric produced is particularly suited for use as tyre reinforcement. Indeed, on account of the continuity of the weft threads and the arrangement thereof at a specific weaving angle, the fabric enables an enhanced transmission of the forces in the tyre and therefore between the road and the vehicle. Furthermore, by better controlling the tension of the weft thread, the quality of the tyre that can be made using the fabric produced also increases. 
     To do so, the fabric obtained using such a weaving machine and such a weaving method can be enveloped in a rubber mixture. Reinforced sections can then be cut from the rubber mixture, and portions taken therefrom to form crown plies or other reinforced portions of a tyre. In particular, the fabric made using a weaving method according to the invention can be enveloped in a rubber mixture using a calendering method. 
     An example fabric providing particularly satisfactory results when enveloped in a rubber mixture to produce a tyre is a fabric with metal warp threads, preferably steel, and a continuous weft thread, obtained using the method according to the invention with a weaving angle of approximately 60°. 
     A fabric  84  according to an example embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in  FIG. 8 . The fabric  84  is designed to reinforce a calendered product  90 , shown schematically in cross section in  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of the calendered product comprising the fabric in  FIG. 8 , the cutting plane in  FIG. 9  containing one of the warp threads of the fabric  84  in  FIG. 8 . Identical elements in  FIGS. 8 and 9  are identified using the same reference signs. 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , the fabric  84  is obtained using the method according to the example embodiment of the invention described above. The fabric  84  comprises a plurality of warp threads  16  and a continuous weft thread  43 . For the sake of clarity, only four warp threads  16  are shown in the figure. The weft thread  43  extends between the warp threads  16  in a direction transverse to the direction of the warp threads  16 . More specifically and as shown in  FIG. 8 , the weft thread  43  is divided into a plurality of passing portions  86  of substantially the same length. Each passing portion  86  extends from a warp thread located at one end of the plurality of warp threads  16  to the warp thread located at the opposite end of the plurality of warp threads  16 . Furthermore, since the fabric  84  has a continuous weft thread, all of the passing portions  86  are connected together continuously. Furthermore, in the example shown, the weaving angle, i.e. the angle formed between the direction of the warp threads  16  and the direction of the passing portions  86  of the weft thread  43 , is between 40° and 60°, the average weaving angle being substantially 50°. 
     In practice, the distance between two warp threads  16  respectively located at the two opposite ends of the plurality of warp threads  16  is greater than shown in  FIG. 8 . Consequently, for a passing portion  86 , the difference between the angle formed between the direction of the warp threads  16  and the direction of the passing portion  86  and the average weaving angle is lesser. 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic view of the calendered product  88  including the fabric  84 . The calendered product  88  is a composite product comprising a matrix  90  and the fabric  84  that forms the strengthening fabric. The fabric  84  is entirely immersed in the matrix  90 . The matrix  90  is a rubber mixture. The calendered product  88  is formed by calendering using rollers (not shown) covering the fabric  84  with a thin layer of the rubber mixture of the matrix  90 . Calendering enables optimum cohesion between the fabric  84  and the matrix  90 . To further improve this cohesion, the warp threads  16  and the portions  86  of the weft thread  43  can be coated with a resorcinol-formaldehyde-latex (RFL) adhesive. Calendering enables the assembly of the strengthening fabric  84  with the other components of the tyre.