DE102008052668B4 - Apparatus for feeding a reinforcing fiber for forming a reinforcing layer of a semi-finished fiber product and apparatus for producing a semi-finished fiber product - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for feeding a reinforcing fiber (14) to form a reinforcing layer of a semifinished fiber product
a feed device (30) for feeding the reinforcing fiber (14) in the direction of the semi-finished fiber product and
a carrier unit (50) for positioning and aligning the feed device (30) relative to the semifinished fiber product,
wherein the feed device (30) is fixedly or movably mounted on the carrier unit (50),
wherein the feeding device (30) comprises a plurality of feed units (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) distributed over the circumference of the carrier unit (50) and wherein the length of the feed unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) is variable.

Description

The invention relates to a device for supplying a reinforcing fiber for forming a reinforcing layer of a semi-finished fiber product, as known from US 5099744 A is known, which will be discussed in more detail below.

For the production of semi-finished fiber products braiding or winding processes can be used in principle. In braiding processes braiding cores, which give the component to be produced its later shape, are braided with suitable braiding fibers or braiding threads, for example carbon fibers.

In a conventional braiding process, bobbins receive the batt thread bobbins and are moved on guideways relative to each other so as to form braid forming crossings. The bobbins have different circulation directions around the braid core. In round braiding, the guideways are two counter-rotating concentric orbits around a core to be wetted.

Typically, the braid core is moved relative to the fixed braiding machine body, for example by means of a robotic arm, whereby the fibers are unwound from the fiber bobbins and deposited on a braiding ring after deflection at respective intersections at the braiding core. Depending on the desired structure of the semifinished fiber product and / or the individual braiding layers reinforcing threads and / or supporting threads of carbon, glass, Armid, Kevlar and / or thermoplastic threads may be added.

From the DE 10 2004 017 311 A1 is a method for producing fiber composite semi-finished products by means of Rundflechttechnik known. Here, a braid core is braided with braided threads, which are unwound concentrically around the braided core in different directions clapper. Here, the bobbins of a circumferential direction with reinforcing threads or fibers and the bobbins of the opposite direction are at least partially equipped with support threads or fibers. The support threads consist at least partially of thermoplastic threads. The core can be braided several times, each unidirectional layers are deposited on the braid core. Before depositing another single layer, the previously deposited single layer can be fixed by melting the thermoplastic threads.

Furthermore, from the DE 101 15 953 A1 a braiding machine with a deflection of shear-sensitive braiding between the bobbins and the braided core known, wherein the deflection is accomplished by means of an inner braided ring and an outer braided ring. Here, the two braided rings are arranged concentrically to each other and axially movable in a direction transverse to the conveying direction of the braided core and perform periodic strokes. The lifting movements can be carried out in antiphase, that is, during a movement of the one braiding ring in one direction, for example, up, the other braiding ring moves in an opposite direction, for example, down. After deflection of the braiding threads on the two braided rings, the braiding threads are fed to the braid core and placed on this.

It has been found to be disadvantageous that especially in the production of triaxial braids via so-called standing threads when they are incorporated, the fibers are undulated, whereby the mechanical properties of the semifinished fiber product are reduced. Furthermore, there is the disadvantage that such Stehfäden can only be positioned in a limited number according to the number of impellers and not completely. Furthermore, band-shaped materials can not be incorporated into the braid via the braiding process.

The US 5099744 discloses a braiding machine with an annular rotor to which a plurality of coils are mounted with pivotable arm members.

In the DE 101 15 953 A1 there is described a braiding machine having inner and outer braided rings, the braided rings performing periodic strokes.

The DE 22064 A discloses a machine for braiding a plurality of strands with a frame on which bearings sit, from which tubes for feeding the strands lead to the braiding point.

The object of the invention is to introduce reinforcing fibers into the production process for a semifinished fiber product as free of undulation as possible. Furthermore, a device for producing a semifinished fiber product is to be specified, wherein threads, tapes or auxiliaries can be introduced into the manufacturing process.

To solve this problem, a device having the features of claim 1 and a device having the features of claim 13 is proposed. Preferred developments are defined in the subclaims. In principle, the devices according to the invention can be used for braiding or winding processes.

The device according to the invention for supplying a reinforcing fiber for forming a reinforcing layer of a semifinished fiber product comprises a feed device for feeding the reinforcing fiber in the direction of the semi-finished fiber product and a carrier unit for positioning and aligning the feed device relative to the semifinished fiber product, wherein the feed device is mounted fixedly or movably on the carrier unit.

The feed unit can be suitably formed depending on the geometric shape of the material to be supplied, so that band-shaped elements made of reinforcing fibers can be supplied. The formation of individual units makes it possible to achieve an exact coordination of the formation of the mesh. Thus, different areas of the lateral surface or sections along the longitudinal direction of a braiding or winding core can be produced with a different fiber or layer structure. The feeder comprises a plurality of feed units which are distributed over the circumference of the carrier unit.

The length of the feed unit is variable. For example, the feed unit can be formed by a tubular element which is preferably telescopically shortenable or extendible in its longitudinal direction. The length of the feed unit or the tubular element depends in particular on the distance of the device, in particular the carrier unit, from the lateral surface of the core and according to the geometric configuration of the lateral surface of the core.

The combined arrangement of feed device and carrier unit is configured in a preferred embodiment such that the feed device is mounted either fixed or movable, d. H. It is possible to keep the feeder fixed in a specific position and orientation and, if necessary, to change this position and orientation, and preferably to fix it in a new position and orientation.

With the device according to the invention, a feeding system is provided, which serves in particular as a supplement to an existing braiding or winding machine, wherein the device can be easily integrated into the existing machine. The arrangement of the delivery system takes place, for example, adjacent to any existing braiding rings of a braiding device, in particular in a round braiding machine, so that the additionally introduced reinforcing fibers are held and fixed directly, without chemical fixation or by means of binder technology, from the textile braid formed by the braiding process.

In a movable connection of the feeder to the carrier unit can be reacted very accurately to change the shape of the braided core.

With this feeding system, as reinforcing fibers, it is also possible, for example, to introduce ribbons (for example rovings) or auxiliaries. Preferably, reinforcing fibers oriented in the component longitudinal direction are introduced with the device according to the invention to form a reinforcing layer. The additionally introduced reinforcement layer can reinforce the braided component in the longitudinal direction. In the context of the present application, auxiliary substances are, for example, release films, adhesive fleeces, foam layers, etc. The term "reinforcing fiber" includes both individual fibers and semi-finished products (eg fiber layers).

In a preferred embodiment, the feed device can be displaceably and / or rotatably mounted on the carrier unit. In particular, the feed device can be designed to be rotatable about an axis oriented transversely to the conveying direction of the semifinished fiber product, which axis is preferably aligned substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction. The mobility with respect to a displacement may be formed in particular in a direction parallel to the conveying direction or transversely thereto.

In a further preferred embodiment, the feed unit has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is mounted directly or indirectly on the carrier unit and the second end is formed as a free end. By means of a corresponding positioning and alignment of the second end, the feed direction can be suitably determined. In the event that the core has a variable cross-sectional shape along its longitudinal direction, can be followed by corresponding change in the position of the second end of the lateral surface of the core.

Furthermore, the feed unit may have a bearing body with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein the reinforcing fiber is passed through the inlet opening and fed through the outlet opening. For example, the bearing body can be articulated to the carrier unit and the feed unit can be fixedly attached to the bearing body. In this way, the feeder or feed unit is rotatably mounted on the carrier unit.

Advantageously, the feed unit comprises a spreading unit and / or a storage unit, in particular a thread eye. With the storage unit, an improved, undulation-free storage of the fiber on the core can be achieved. With the spreading unit, for example, a zuzuführendes Band of reinforcing fibers divided into strips and then the strips are introduced into the braiding or winding process.

Conveniently, the carrier unit can be positioned around the semi-finished fiber product, in particular annular or angular, formed. In particular, the carrier unit may be formed as a ring or fastening ring. In this way, the carrier unit with the feed device can be positioned close to an existing braiding ring of the existing braiding device. The geometric shape of the carrier unit and / or the feed device is preferably adapted to the shape of the semi-finished fiber product or the braided core to be produced.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one deflecting unit is provided for deflecting the reinforcing fiber and for determining the feed angle in the direction of the semi-finished fiber product. For this purpose, the carrier unit and / or the feed device may comprise the deflection unit. In other words, carrier unit and deflecting unit can be formed together as an integral component.

To cut the reinforcing fiber at a predetermined location, a separator may be provided. Advantageously, the separating device is integrated in the feed device, for example by forming a separating edge at an opening of the feed unit.

In a preferred embodiment, a feed device for introducing the reinforcing fiber is provided in the feeder and / or for advancing the reinforcing fiber in the feeder. The feed device can be designed such that it provides an air flow for introduction into the feed device and / or for advancing the reinforcing fiber in the feed device.

The inventive apparatus for producing a semi-finished fiber product comprises at least one feed unit for supplying a base fiber to form a semi-finished fiber product and an apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 12 for supplying a reinforcing fiber for forming a reinforcing layer of the semifinished fiber product, wherein the feed unit in a predetermined relative position to the carrier unit the device is arranged.

In the aforementioned device according to the invention for producing a semi-finished fiber product is preferably a braiding device. The arrangement of the delivery system according to the device according to one of claims 1 to 12 takes place in such a braiding device, for example adjacent to existing braiding rings for the supply of the base fiber.

In a preferred embodiment, the feed unit is arranged in relative position to the carrier unit, so that the reinforcing fiber and the base fiber meet during the production of the semi-finished fiber substantially at a point along a longitudinal direction of the semifinished fiber or meet each other at a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction ,

With the two devices according to the invention, improved mechanical properties of the reinforcing fibers to be introduced and of the entire semi-finished fiber product can be achieved. Furthermore, the components to be braided or wrapped can be grouped without gaps, whereby, for example, reinforcing fibers can be positioned in large numbers.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the carrier unit may be designed in the form of a fastening ring and be distributed over the circumference of the ring with any number of feeding units in the form of thread feeding elements. As a result, a closed over the circumference of the braid core reinforcing layer can be generated or at certain areas over the circumference of the braided core a defined thread entry are possible. Here, the thread feeding elements can be made variable in length and insertion angle or articulated, so that the supply of the threads is ensured even with variable cross sections of the thread core. Furthermore, thread eyes can be attached to the exit of the thread feed elements, which allow a homogeneous yarn placement and a spreading of the reinforcing threads. Finally, the variable delivery system can also be designed so that band-shaped products can be introduced. For this purpose, both prefabricated reinforcing tapes, as well as band-shaped auxiliary materials, such as binder fleeces, release films or sandwich core elements can be used.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here are shown schematically:

1 a longitudinal section through an inventive apparatus for producing a semi-finished fiber product and an inventive device for feeding a reinforcing fiber in the semifinished fiber, and

2 a view from the front of the arrangement according to 1 ,

The 1 and 2 show an apparatus for producing a semi-finished fiber product with at least one feed unit for feeding a base fiber 16 for forming the semifinished fiber and an apparatus for supplying a reinforcing fiber 14 in the semifinished fiber product. The combined arrangement of the two devices represents a preferred embodiment of a braiding, in particular a round braiding device, with a braided layer of the base fibers 16 and a reinforcing layer of the reinforcing fibers 14 be processed to form the semi-finished fiber.

The semi-finished fiber is made by braiding the basic fiber 16 on a lateral surface 12 a wicker core 10 and by feeding the reinforcing fiber 14 educated. The braid core 10 has a, viewed in its longitudinal direction L, variable lateral surface 12 on. To the braid core 10 along its longitudinal direction L to be able to completely stain, this is transported along a conveying direction F by the braiding device.

The device for feeding the reinforcing fiber 14 includes a feeder 30 and a carrier unit 50 , Here is the carrier unit 50 arranged in a predetermined relative position at a distance A to the feed unit. The distance A is chosen here so that the reinforcing fiber 14 in the longitudinal direction L spaced from the base fiber 16 on the lateral surface 12 or impinges on the already partially trained braid.

The for feeding, alignment and storage of the reinforcing fiber 14 serving feeder 30 includes a variety of feeding units 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 that over the circumference of the carrier unit 50 are arranged distributed.

Each of the feeder units 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 has a bearing body 36 on, attached to the carrier unit 50 is stored. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing body 36 shaped spherically and provided with a cavity. The bearing body 36 has an inlet opening 37 and an exit opening 38 through, through which the reinforcing fiber 14 is guided through.

The carrier unit 50 is preferably formed as a ring or fastening ring and around the braid core 10 positioned around. The carrier unit 50 serves to position and align the feeder 30 in a suitable position relative to the braid core 10 so that the reinforcing fiber 14 and the basic fiber 16 as free as possible on the lateral surface 12 can be stored. The carrier unit 50 stores the feeder 30 such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and thus perpendicular to the conveying direction F or longitudinal direction L. In other words, the feeder is 30 over the bearing body 36 movable, in particular rotatable or pivotable, on the carrier unit 50 stored.

Further, each of the feeder units has 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 and 35 a pipe element 40 with a first end and a second end up. Each pipe element 40 is in the region of the first end fixed to the bearing body 36 appropriate. The second end 38 is formed as a free end and may include a storage unit and / or a spreading unit. About the respect to all three spatial directions in the desired position can be brought free end 38 of the tubular element 36 can the reinforcing fiber 14 suitably on the braid core 10 be filed.

The pipe elements 40 each have a wall and an inner cavity, so that the reinforcing fiber 14 through the bearing body 36 and the pipe element 40 can be supplied. In other words, the pipe element serves 40 as a thread feeding element for the reinforcing fiber 14 ,

The pipe elements 40 are advantageously variable in their length, so that on cross-sectional changes of the braid core 10 along its conveying direction F can be reacted. Preferably, the pipe element 40 constructed telescopically.

In this way, a largely ondulationsfreie or completely ondulationsfreie storage of the reinforcing fiber 14 on the wickerwork core 10 or inside of it by the basic fiber 16 formed braid can be achieved. The reinforcing fiber 14 is preferably oriented at an angle of 0 ° to the longitudinal direction L and reinforces the semi-finished fiber in its longitudinal direction.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

braid

12

lateral surface

14

reinforcing fiber

16

base fiber

30

feeding

31

feed

32

feed

33

feed

34

feed

35

feed

36

bearing body

37

inlet opening

38

outlet opening

40

tube element

50

support unit

L

longitudinal direction

F

conveying direction

A

distance

Claims (14)

Device for feeding a reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) for forming a reinforcing layer of a semi-finished fiber product with a feed device ( 30 ) for feeding the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) in the direction of the semi-finished fiber product and a carrier unit ( 50 ) for positioning and alignment of the feeding device ( 30 ) relative to the semifinished fiber product, wherein the feed device ( 30 ) fixed or movable on the carrier unit ( 50 ), wherein the feeding device ( 30 ) several feed units ( 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 ), which extends over the circumference of the carrier unit ( 50 ) are arranged distributed and wherein the length of the feed unit ( 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 ) is variable. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the feed device ( 30 ) displaceable and / or rotatable on the carrier unit ( 50 ) is stored. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed unit ( 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 ) by a tubular element ( 40 ) is formed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed unit ( 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 ) a first end ( 42 ) and a second end ( 44 ), wherein the first end ( 42 ) directly or indirectly on the carrier unit ( 50 ) and the second end ( 44 ) is formed as a free end. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed unit ( 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 ) a bearing body ( 36 ) with an inlet opening ( 37 ) and an exit opening ( 38 ), wherein the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) through the inlet opening ( 37 ) and through the outlet ( 38 ) is supplied. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed unit ( 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 ) comprises a spreading unit and / or a storage unit, in particular a thread eye. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier unit ( 50 ) Positionable around the semi-finished fiber, in particular annular or angular, is formed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one deflection unit for deflecting the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) and is provided for determining the feed angle in the direction of the semifinished fiber product. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a separating device is provided to the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) to cut at a predetermined location. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the separating device in the feed device ( 30 ) is integrated, preferably by forming a separating edge at an opening of the feed unit ( 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 . 35 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a feed device for introducing the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) in the feeder ( 30 ) and / or for advancing the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) in the feeder ( 30 ) is provided. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the feed device an air flow for introducing the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) in the feeder ( 30 ) and / or for advancing the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) in the feeder ( 30 ). Device for producing a semi-finished fiber product with at least one feed unit ( 60 ) for feeding a base fiber ( 16 ) for forming a semi-finished fiber product and with a device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12 for feeding a reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) for forming a reinforcing layer of the semifinished fiber product, wherein the feed unit ( 60 ) in a predetermined relative position to the carrier unit ( 50 ) of the device is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the feed unit ( 60 ) in relative position to the carrier unit ( 50 ) is arranged so that the reinforcing fiber ( 14 ) and the basic fiber ( 16 ) meet one another during the production of the semifinished fiber product substantially at a point along a longitudinal direction (L) of the semi-finished fiber product or at a predetermined distance (A) along the longitudinal direction (L) from each other.

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