DE102015219960A1 - Apparatus and method for producing a fiber composite component - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a device for producing a fiber composite component, with a one-sided shaping tool; a cover, wherein a component cavity is provided between the one-side shaping tool and the cover; and a receiving portion for receiving a swellable material, which is provided to exert a pressure on the Bauteilkavität in an activated state. The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing a fiber composite component by means of such a device.

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing a fiber composite component.

In the case of fiber composite components, the fiber volume content is a decisive criterion of component quality. The fiber volume content is established during the production process of a fiber composite component. Depending on the requirements and intended use of the component, values of the fiber volume content of 50-60% or more may be desired.

The fiber volume content is determined by the interaction between a volume of a component cavity provided by the tool used for the production and the ratio of the amounts of fiber material and matrix material introduced therein. The process of wetting or embedding the fiber material with the matrix material is referred to as infiltration. The process of introducing the matrix material into the component cavity is referred to as infusion or injection.

For the production of fiber composite components there are resin injection processes in closed tools, wherein a multi-part, shaping tool surrounds the component to be produced on all sides, as known for example from RTM processes (Resin Transfer Molding). This makes it possible to reproducibly realize high fiber volume salaries. If a high fiber volume content, for example ≥ 60%, is to be realized, the fiber material is usually already strongly compacted in a closed mold before the infiltration.

On the other hand, in the case of resin infusion methods on one-sided shaping tools, the fiber volume content is largely determined by the compaction of the already infiltrated fiber material.

The DE 10 2013 006 940 A1 describes a flow aid for a one-sided shaping tool which provides a gas-tight envelope in the nature of a vacuum film, wherein resin is introduced under pressure in a fiber material. For any compaction of the infiltrated fibrous material, one may resort to the pressure differential between an ambient pressure and approximate vacuum under the enclosure.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for producing a fiber composite component.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device having the features of patent claim 1 and / or a method having the features of patent claim 10.

• – Eine Vorrichtung zum Herstellen eines Faserverbundbauteils, mit: einem einseitig formgebenden Werkzeug; einer Abdeckung, wobei zwischen dem einseitig formgebenden Werkzeug und der Abdeckung eine Bauteilkavität vorgesehen ist; und einem Aufnahmeabschnitt zur Aufnahme eines quellfähigen Materials, welches vorgesehen ist, um in einem aktivierten Zustand einen Druck auf die Bauteilkavität auszuüben.
• – Ein Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Faserverbundbauteils, insbesondere mittels einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, mit den Schritten: Einlegen eines Faserelements in eine Bauteilkavität; und Aufbringen eines Drucks auf die Bauteilkavität durch Aktivieren eines quellfähigen Materials.

Accordingly, it is provided:

• - An apparatus for producing a fiber composite component, comprising: a one-sided shaping tool; a cover, wherein a component cavity is provided between the one-side shaping tool and the cover; and a receiving portion for receiving a swellable material, which is provided to exert a pressure on the Bauteilkavität in an activated state.
• - A method for producing a fiber composite component, in particular by means of a device according to the invention, comprising the steps of: inserting a fiber element in a Bauteilkavität; and applying a pressure to the component cavity by activating a swellable material.

The idea on which the present invention is based is to increase the maximum possible pressure difference for compacting a fiber layer on a single-sided shaping tool beyond the ambient pressure by means of a swellable material. For receiving the swellable material, a receiving portion is provided. The swellable material is provided, that is in particular designed and arranged accordingly to exert a pressure on the Bauteilkavität in an activated state.

In particular, the receiving portion for receiving the swellable material may be disposed on the cover and / or between the cover and the Bauteilkavität.

The pressure can be applied in an already infiltrated state of the fiber layer in order to push out excess resin from the component cavity, in particular via an outlet. It can be achieved so advantageous a higher fiber volume content than commonly used in resin infusion processes on one-sided shaping tool, without the need for a two-sided shaping tool is needed.

A pressure on the component cavity can be used in addition to the pressing out of excess resin for other functions, such as precompacting fiber layers and / or a positional fixation of the fiber layers.

Such pressure can therefore be used before and / or during infiltration in order to fix the fiber element. Thus, an infiltration rate or an injection pressure of the matrix material can be provided higher than without fixing the fiber element, since the fiber element can not slip and the individual fiber layers within the fiber element can not move against each other. The infiltration therefore runs much faster. This in turn allows a further speed advantage, because with a faster infiltration process, a faster curing matrix material, in particular a correspondingly higher reactive resin system can be used, which requires a shorter time to cure. It can therefore be achieved in two ways a speed advantage.

Thus, on the one hand, higher fiber volume salaries of the fiber composite component to be produced are achieved on the one hand and, as a result, the quality of the component is thereby purposefully improved. Furthermore, according to the invention, the production of a fiber composite component can also be substantially accelerated considerably.

Prior to infiltration, the component cavity is preferably sealed and evacuated. The component cavity is the volume within which the fiber material of the component to be produced is located and where it is infiltrated with matrix material to produce a fiber composite component.

Activation of the swellable material is understood to mean a process that causes or initiates an increase in volume of the swellable material. Accordingly, an activated state represents a swollen state.

As a swellable material, any materials are considered that can increase in volume and thus exert a pressure on the Bauteilkavität. This volume increase can be initiated or caused, for example, chemically, physically and / or by temperature.

The pressure on the component cavity pressure can be controlled by the amount of activated swellable material. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure acting on the component cavity pressure over the amount and / or the pressure of a introduced into the swellable material swelling agent, for example a propellant gas, are regulated.

With the use according to the invention of swellable material, it is possible to exert higher pressures on the component cavity than is usual, for example, in conventional autoclaves (about 6-8 bar). This can advantageously lead to increased compaction of the infiltrated fiber material and a correspondingly high fiber volume content.

In an inactive or unswollen state, the swellable material has a lower volume than in an activated or swollen state. Thus, in the inactive state, the swellable material exerts no or only little or only local pressure on the component cavity.

In the case of the device according to the invention with a one-side shaping tool, the costs for the shaping tool are advantageously considerably lower than for multipart tools, as used for example in so-called compression RTM or advanced RTM methods. The required machines, such as a hydraulic press, are associated with high acquisition costs. In addition, the multi-part, shaping tool itself also represents a significant cost factor, which significantly influences the component costs, especially in the case of small quantities of the components to be produced.

Furthermore, with the device according to the invention and in the method according to the invention, the fiber volume content need not be adjusted by way of the amount of matrix material introduced into the component cavity and the pressure difference to an environment, as would normally be the case with resin infusion processes on single-sided molds. This is advantageous since, in order to completely infiltrate the fiber material in a reasonable time, a greater amount of matrix material is usually required than is calculated for the desired fiber volume content (eg ≥ 60%). Rather, the fibrous material according to the invention infiltrated with an excess of matrix material and the excess of matrix material after complete infiltration before curing via an extraction and / or the inlet and outlet of the Bauteilkavität with increased pressure, in particular higher than a pressure difference of a vacuum in the Bauteilkavität is to the ambient pressure, are pushed out of the Bauteilkavität again.

With this increased pressure difference and the resulting external effect on the Bauteilkavität to remove excess matrix material from this, advantageously similar high fiber volume salaries can be realized in the invention, as they are possible in the relatively expensive devices and resin injection processes with closed tool.

If swellable material is used according to the invention even before the start of infiltration, the injection of the matrix material can subsequently proceed in a similar manner, as is known from resin infusion processes with a closed mold. In this case, however, can be advantageously dispensed with an upper-side forming tool. This can mean a significant cost savings, since forming tools are usually manufactured within small tolerances and are correspondingly expensive, which is the application of the invention Especially advantageous for the production of small quantities.

Furthermore, according to the invention, components having complex component geometries, for example undercuts, can advantageously also be produced without the need for a multi-part forming tool. This is due to the fact that swellable material automatically spreads into vacant spaces during swelling even with complex geometry. Advantageously, therefore, a simple and relatively inexpensive production is possible even with complex component geometries.

As a further advantage over component-specific closed tools, the device according to the invention offers the possibility of being able to produce components of different geometries with the cover and the swellable material. On top molding tools for each component geometry can be advantageously dispensed with.

In addition, the solution according to the invention is also significantly cheaper than to position the entire structure for a resin infusion process on a one-sided shaping tool in a possibly heated pressure vessel, a so-called autoclave. Although an increased pressure difference between evacuated Bauteilkavität (approximate vacuum) and its environment (about 6-8 bar in conventional autoclaves) could be built so that, however, such autoclave associated with very high cost.

It is therefore achieved according to the invention a significant cost advantage.

A cavity of the cover in which the swellable material is disposed need not necessarily be hermetically sealed from the environment. The waiver of a hermetic seal can also be advantageous, since thus, for example, in the activation of the swellable material resulting reaction gases can escape. Furthermore, air which can optionally serve as a reaction gas for an activation reaction can thus also be easily supplied. Furthermore, therefore, a simplified structure, in particular in a local application of the swellable material realized.

In the subclaims there are advantageous embodiments and improvements of the invention.

According to one embodiment, the cover is provided at the side of the component cavity on the one-sided shaping tool fixable. The fixation can be designed as a form-locking connection, for example by means of screws, hooks or the like, or as a frictional connection, for example a clamping connection. By fixing the pressure chamber is advantageously ensured that the pressure chamber in the pressurized state causes a pressure at the correct predetermined position on the Bauteilkavität. The cover can be dimensionally stable or flexible. In a flexible embodiment, a sufficiently extensively rigid material of the cover is provided.

According to one embodiment, the swellable material is provided at predetermined portions of the cover for applying predetermined pressure to predetermined portions of the component cavity. In particular, the individual sections can be activated independently of one another. These are at least two sections. In this case, a first section can apply a local pressure on the component cavity. This local pressure can be useful for fixing the fiber material, which is absolutely advantageous, especially at an injection pressure of the matrix material of more than 1 bar, in order to prevent undesired shifting of fiber material. A second section may be formed at least in sections planar and apply a two-dimensional pressure on the Bauteilkavität after infiltration upon pressurization. Thus, several functions of the swellable material are advantageously realized, in particular at different points in time of the production process. The swellable material can be provided on the cover in such a way that, in the activated state, the entire surface of the component cavity facing away from the one-sided shaping tool is in operative connection therewith. The component cavity and a component located therein are so fully pressurized. In a further embodiment, the use of swellable material can be provided only in one or more predetermined area (s). In particular, this can be useful if locally quality demands on the component, in particular the requirements on the fiber volume content, vary. For example, in the case of a wing to be manufactured, a higher fiber volume content can be provided in the area of the wing root than, for example, on a wing trailing edge of a wing shell. Similarly, for. B. certain areas a crash cell are designed differently. Furthermore, a local application of the swellable material may be useful if there are tendencies during the resin infusion process that undesirable accumulation of matrix material in certain areas. Such an accumulation of matrix material in so-called pure resin areas can then be specifically counteracted in the affected areas.

According to one embodiment, the swellable material is arranged at least in a region near a matrix inlet of the component cavity and for accelerating a flow front of the matrix material by building up a pressure in the region of the matrix inlet. An acceleration of the movement of the flow front of the matrix material has the advantage that a time required for the infiltration is reduced. The matrix feed is arranged, for example, in the middle of the component cavity so that an accelerated propagation of the flow front takes place in all directions. In this case, before activating the swellable material, the component cavity can already be provided with a sufficient amount of matrix material for the component to be produced. A uniform distribution of the matrix material need not be considered in the conventional manner, since the uniform distribution of the matrix material is subsequently realized or supported by means of the swellable material. The matrix feed can be aligned according to a development in a thickness direction of the fiber material. As a result, the matrix material can advantageously be injected into the component cavity at a pressure greater than the atmospheric ambient pressure, because due to the injection in the thickness direction, no or at least no significant shifts of the fiber material are produced. This can therefore also lead to a shortening of the infiltration time. Furthermore, then a higher reactive and / or faster curing matrix material is used, so that in two respects the production can be accelerated.

According to one embodiment, the cover is formed with a plurality of individually, in particular independently, activatable sections with swellable material providable. Advantageously, the individual sections can thus fulfill different functions and / or be activated at different stages of a production process.

According to a further development, the individually activatable sections overlap one another, wherein a first section can already be activated before or for the injection of a matrix material. Alternatively or additionally, a second section can be activated after or shortly before the end of an infiltration to apply an elevated and / or pressure acting on further surfaces. Advantageously, the matrix material can thus be injected into the component cavity with a pressure greater than the atmospheric ambient pressure after activation of the first section without the risk of fiber displacements. It can be realized as a higher infusion pressure than commonly used in resin infusion processes on one-sided shaping tool, which advantageously leads to a reduction of the required infiltration time. For example, two separate layers of swellable material may be provided as individually activatable portions in the cover. Furthermore, a reuse of a first section in the activated state for several identical components is possible. In this case, the reused first portion is inserted in the already activated state in the cover to fix the fiber element in the infiltration. By means of the second section, the pressure on the infiltrated fiber material can then be increased in each case for shaping and for pushing out excess resin from the component cavity.

According to a development, the cover is designed expandable, wherein after the introduction and / or activation of the first section with swellable material, a cavity within the cover for introducing the second portion with swellable material is releasable. The cavity may be released between the first portion of swellable material already activated and a back wall of the cover, for example by raising the cover and refixing it at a greater distance from the component cavity. Alternatively or additionally, the cover can be otherwise configured to release the cavity, for example with a telescopic mechanism or the like.

According to one embodiment, the swellable material is provided within a pocket, in particular with a stretchable outer skin, under the cover. Advantageously, it is thus prevented that residues of the swellable material on the cover, the one-sided shaping tool, a component cavity sealing the vacuum device and / or other parts remain.

According to one embodiment, the swellable material comprises a foamable material. This may in particular be a foamable configuration of polyurethane. Foamable configurations of polyvinyl chloride or polystyrene would also be conceivable. Upon activation, accordingly, an increase in volume is caused by a foaming reaction. Such Aufschäumreaktion can be, for example, by contact with air and / or water, as z. B. is common in polyurethane foams in the construction industry, activated. When foaming the foamable material reacts, for example, with the humidity or a supplied moisture. In addition to many other foamable materials in particular the use of rigid foams is advantageous because they can build up a relatively high pressure and then reliably keep your shape constant. Furthermore, the foamable material is preferably based on the process temperatures used and / or the matrix material used Voted. In this case, the swellable material can be provided swellable with an exothermic activation reaction, wherein the matrix material is heated. The matrix material is thus placed in a low-viscosity state and can infiltrate the fiber element correspondingly faster. Alternatively or additionally, the matrix material can harden faster due to the heat. Furthermore, if appropriate, externally applied temperatures below the maximum temperature which are compatible with the foamable material, for example in the case of PU foam about 90 ° C., are also provided for the curing of the matrix material.

According to one embodiment of a method for producing a fiber composite component, after a complete infiltration of the fiber element with a matrix, the swellable material exerts a pressure on the component cavity, whereby excess matrix material is forced out of the component cavity. Advantageously, such an increased fiber volume content, for example ≥ 60%, can be achieved.

According to a further embodiment, the swellable material exerts a pressure on the component cavity in a first section during and / or after evacuation of the component cavity. In this case, a predetermined Kompaktierungsgrad the fiber element can be adjusted. Thus, the fiber element is advantageously prepared for infiltration. Alternatively or additionally, residual air is pressed out of the component cavity. So-called residual air represents a small amount of undesirable air remaining in the component cavity, which usually remains within the fiber material. This residual air can cause pore formation and dry spots, i. H. not fully infiltrated areas lead in the component to be manufactured. According to the invention, advantageously, the amount of residual air in the component cavity can be reduced or minimized, which is preferably done during the evacuation process by the pressure exerted on the component cavity. Optionally or additionally, the fiber element is fixed for a subsequent infiltration by the pressure applied in the first section. Thus, advantageously, a higher injection pressure can be driven, which allows faster infiltration and thus optionally the use of a more reactive and / or faster curing matrix material.

According to one embodiment of the method, the swellable material is activated after or shortly before the end of the complete infiltration of the fiber element in a second section for applying an elevated pressure. Alternatively or additionally, it is activated to apply a pressure acting on further surfaces. By means of the second section, therefore, the pressure on the infiltrated fiber material can be increased for shaping and expelling excess resin from the component cavity. Due to the pressure, any residual air that has not been pushed out of the component cavity during the infiltration through the flow front of the matrix material and any reaction gases present in it are advantageously compressed in their volume. Thus, air pockets and pore formation are best avoided or minimized in the component to be produced. In one embodiment, after infiltration or after introduction and / or activation of the first section, the cover can be expanded with swellable material, thus releasing a cavity for the second section. The cavity may be released between the first portion of swellable material already activated and a back wall of the cover, for example by raising the cover and refixing it at a greater distance from the component cavity. Alternatively or additionally, the cover can otherwise release the cavity, for example with a telescopic mechanism or the like. In a further embodiment, the second section may already be provided or prepared before the infiltration and / or activation of the first section in the cover. For example, two separately activatable layers with swellable material can be provided in the cover for this purpose.

According to one embodiment, during infiltration, the swellable material swells in a region near a matrix feed of the component cavity, thus accelerating a movement of a flow front of the matrix material. An acceleration of the movement of the flow front of the matrix material has the advantage that a time required for the infiltration is reduced. Furthermore, then a higher reactive and / or faster curing matrix material is used, so that in two respects the production can be accelerated.

In one embodiment, the swellable material releases heat during activation and heats the matrix material. This is done in particular by means of an exothermic chemical activation reaction. Alternatively or additionally, a heated propellant gas can be supplied. By controlling the temperature of the swellable material, the viscosity of the matrix material can be advantageously influenced so that a lower viscosity of the matrix material can be set in the case of infiltration at elevated temperature. Furthermore, as the temperature increases, the curing of the matrix material can also be accelerated in a later step.

The above embodiments and developments can, if appropriate, combine with each other as desired. In particular, the features of the device with the method of manufacture a fiber composite component can be combined, and vice versa.

Further possible refinements, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations, not explicitly mentioned, of features of the invention described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawing.

From the figures show:

1 an apparatus for producing a fiber composite component according to a first embodiment in a first stage of a manufacturing process;

2 the device according to 1 in a second stage of the manufacturing process;

3 an apparatus for producing a fiber composite component according to a second embodiment; and

4 an apparatus for producing a fiber composite component according to a third embodiment.

In the figures, the same reference numerals designate the same or functionally identical components, unless indicated otherwise.

1 shows an apparatus for producing a fiber composite component according to a first embodiment in a first stage of a manufacturing process.

The device 1 has a one-sided shaping tool 2 on. Further, one is above the tool 2 arranged cover 3 intended. Between tool 2 and cover 3 is a component cavity 4 available.

In the component cavity 4 is a fiber element 9 inserted. Further, a vacuum device 10 for evacuating the Bauteilkavität 4 provided, which here schematically as one with a seal 11 provided evacuable vacuum film between the fiber element 9 and the cover 3 is arranged, is shown.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 3 on the one-sided shaping tool 2 fixed on the side. This fixation can be provided as a positive connection or a frictional connection. An example is the fixation with schematically illustrated fasteners 12 located.

The vacuum device 10 is analogous to a vacuum device for a conventional resin infusion process on the one-side molding tool 2 arranged and may comprise a plurality of components not shown separately, such as different fiber materials, a tear-off fabric, a flow aid and / or a semi-permeable membrane. Further, a matrix feed 6 and a suction 13 intended.

The component cavity 4 is for producing a fiber composite component after inserting a fiber element 9 by means of the vacuum device 10 hermetically sealed against the environment.

The cover 3 has one to the Bauteilkavität 4 open receiving section 14 on, which is formed as a cavity in which a swellable material 5 is provided or can be introduced. The here not shown in detail swellable material 5 lies in the in 1 shown state in an inactive state in which it is not swollen. The swellable material 5 exercises in the method shown here for producing a fiber composite component before and during an infusion process schematically illustrated here with a matrix 8th accordingly still no pressure on the Bauteilkavität 4 out.

2 shows the device according to 1 in a second stage of the manufacturing process.

Here is the fiber element 9 completely with a matrix 8th infiltrated. After complete infiltration of the fiber element 9 becomes the swellable material 5 is activated so that it swells and undergoes an increase in volume, wherein it forms the cavity formed Aufnahmeabschitt 14 fills and a pressure on the Bauteilkavität 4 exercises. Shown here is correspondingly an activated state of the swellable material 5 wherein this in operative connection with the Bauteilkavität 4 stands.

By means of the thus achieved external pressure on the Bauteilkavität 4 For example, an excess of matrix material introduced during the infusion is again removed from the component cavity prior to curing 4 pressed, for example through an opening for the suction 13 and / or the matrix feed 6 so that a comparatively high fiber volume content of, for example, ≥ 60% can be achieved.

The of the swellable material 5 on the component cavity 4 applied pressure can after removal of the excess matrix material during a subsequent curing process of the infiltrated fiber element 9 be maintained to a fiber composite component.

Before infusion begins, the component cavity 4 by means of the vacuum device 10 evacuated. In this evacuation process, an undesirable small amount of air, called residual air, in the Bauteilkavität 4 , usually within the fiber material of a fiber element 9 , remain. This residual air can lead to undesirable pore formation and / or dry, that is not completely infiltrated, points in the fiber composite component to be produced.

An increase in the on the Bauteilkavität 4 exerted pressure after complete infiltration causes in addition to the advantages already mentioned the positive effect that any existing residual air, not by the flow front of the matrix material from the Bauteilkavität 4 was pushed, and any existing reaction gases are compressed in volume. Pore formation in the component to be produced by such gas inclusions is thus advantageously minimized. For this purpose, it is expedient, the activated swellable material 5 only after a hardening process of the matrix 8th from the component cavity 4 to remove.

Alternatively or additionally, the swellable material 5 in a further method for producing a fiber composite component also be activated before and / or during the infusion process and thus already at an earlier stage of the process, a pressure on the Bauteilkavität 4 exercise.

This by means of the swellable material 5 on the component cavity 4 applied pressure can be used in one embodiment already during the evacuation process to reduce the amount of residual air and thus the subsequent formation of pores and dry spots.

In addition to the possibility by means of the swellable material 5 Applicable pressure excess matrix material from the Bauteilkavität 4 It is also possible to already influence the infiltration process by means of this pressure. Thus, for example, matrix material which extends over an unillustrated flow aid over the fiber element 9 with the help of the swellable material 5 in the fiber material of the fiber element 9 be pressed.

Furthermore, the swellable material 5 be used advantageously to the fiber element 9 during infusion of the matrix material within the component cavity 4 to fix. Thus, it is possible to apply an increased infusion pressure of the matrix material, so that an infiltration of the fiber element 9 with the matrix 8th is accelerated. Advantageously, in turn, a higher reactive resin system can be used as the matrix material, which cures faster. In a further embodiment with a thermoplastic matrix, a matrix material can be used in this case, which requires a shorter cooling time for curing.

By fixing the cover 3 It is always ensured that in an activated state of the swellable material, a pressure at the desired position on the Bauteilkavität 4 is exercised.

The swellable material 5 can also only during a manufacturing process in the receiving portion designed as a cavity 14 the cover 3 be introduced. The cover 3 has in this case according to at least one opening, not shown.

The swellable material 5 is for example a foamable material. In particular, it may be in the swellable material 5 to act as a foamable configuration of polyurethane.

But there are also many other materials as swellable material 5 in question, which increase in volume by activation and thus pressure on the Bauteilkavität 4 exercise. The activation can be initiated, for example, chemically, physically and / or due to temperature.

In a chemical activation of the foamable material an increase in volume is caused by a foaming reaction. Such a foaming reaction can be activated, for example, by contact with air and / or water, as is customary in the case of polyurethane foams in the construction sector. For this purpose, the foamable material reacts, for example, with the humidity or a specifically supplied, for example injected into the cover, moisture.

Upon swelling, the swellable material adapts 5 to one, in particular by the tool 2 predetermined component surface and thus exerts a uniform pressure on the Bauteilkavität. This is also true for complex component geometries. Thus, the swellable material advantageously has a high adaptability to any component geometries.

In addition to other foamable materials, in particular the use of so-called rigid foams, for example polyurethane foams, is advantageous, since these are comparatively can build up high pressure and then keep their shape reliable.

In a physical activation of a foaming is or become in the swellable material 5 introduced from the outside one or more gas (s), resulting in a foaming of the swellable material 5 leads. The use of propellant gases is also possible, so that a combined physical and chemical foaming takes place.

Furthermore, it is possible to increase the viscosity of the matrix material with the aid of the swellable material 5 due to temperature influence. For example, an exothermic activation reaction of the swellable material 5 be provided to cause a temporary reduction of the viscosity of the matrix material by heating. Alternatively or additionally, a gas to be introduced for swelling or foaming, in particular propellant gas, can be pre-tempered or heated. By reducing the viscosity of the matrix material, on the one hand, the flow speed of the matrix material can be increased and, on the other hand, if appropriate, the amount of fluid applied by means of the applied pressure from the component cavity 4 removable matrix material.

Furthermore, the foamable material is preferably provided tuned to the process temperatures used and the matrix material used. In particular, optionally for the curing of the matrix material additionally externally applied temperatures below a maximum tolerable for the foamable material temperature, for example in the case of polyurethane (PU) foam about 90 ° C, provided.

The swellable material 5 can directly into the receiving portion designed as a cavity 14 be provided introduced. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to swell the material 5 to introduce and / or provide within a bag with stretchable outer skin, not shown. This prevents residues of the swellable material 5 on the cover 3 , the one-sided shaping tool 2 and / or other parts.

The on the component cavity 4 acting pressure may be due to the amount of activated swellable material 5 be set. Alternatively or additionally, the on the Bauteilkavität 4 acting pressure, for example, on the amount of in the swellable material 5 introduced propellant gas and / or via the pressure with which the propellant gas is introduced, are regulated.

Alternatively or additionally, with the aid of the swellable material 5 also the movement of a flow front of the matrix material during the infiltration are influenced.

3 shows an apparatus for producing a fiber composite component according to a second embodiment.

Here, the distribution of the matrix material within the fiber material of the fiber element becomes 9 influenced by using the swellable material 5 in a certain way, here locally in the area of a matrix feed 6 for the matrix material, pressure on the component cavity 4 is exercised.

By the arrangement of the swellable material 5 in the area near the matrix feed 6 may cause the swelling and thereby local exertion of a pressure in the area of the matrix feed 6 for accelerating a flow front 7 be used of the matrix material. The flow front of the matrix material thus becomes inside the component cavity 4 and within the fiber material of the fiber element 9 accelerated accelerated.

The matrix feed 6 is here in the middle of the component cavity 4 arranged so that an accelerated propagation of the flow front within the Bauteilkavität 4 in all directions.

Before activating the swellable material 5 can in the Bauteilkavität 4 already be injected for the component to be produced sufficient amount of matrix material. A uniform distribution of the matrix material need not be considered in the conventional measure, since the uniform distribution of the matrix material then by means of the swellable material 5 realized or supported.

The matrix feed 6 is in a thickness direction of the fiber material of the fiber element 9 aligned. As a result, the matrix material may advantageously have a pressure greater than the atmospheric ambient pressure in the component cavity 4 be injected. Due to the injection in the thickness direction no or at least no significant shifts of the fiber material are caused.

Overall, the infiltration time and thus the entire process time can be made comparatively short.

4 shows an apparatus for producing a fiber composite component according to a third embodiment.

The cover 3 here has a plurality of individually independently activatable sections 5A . 5B with swellable material on. The individual sections 5A . 5B perform different functions and are activated at different stages of a manufacturing process.

The individually activatable sections 5A . 5B lie one above the other. The first paragraph 5A is already activated before or to the injection of a matrix material.

After activating the first section 5A can without risk of fiber shifts the matrix material with a pressure greater than the atmospheric pressure in the Bauteilkavität 4 be injected as the fiber element 9 is fixed by the pressure.

The second section is provided to be activated only after or shortly before the end of an infiltration to apply an increased pressure and / or pressure to further surfaces.

For this purpose, in one embodiment, two separately activatable layers with swellable material 5 in the cover 3 be provided.

There is also a reuse of a first section 5A in the activated state possible for several identical components. In this case, the reused first section 5A in the already activated state in the cover 3 inserted to the fiber element 9 to fix during infiltration. It is possible, a first section 5A to use with swellable material for the production of several identical components.

By means of the second section, the pressure on the infiltrated fiber material can then be increased in each case for shaping and for pushing out excess resin from the component cavity. The second section 5B the swellable material is therefore in particular not reusable.

Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the cover 3 be designed the same expandable. This is done after inserting and / or activating the first section 5A with swellable material an extended receiving section 14 ' in the form of a cavity within the cover 3 for introducing the second section 5B released with swellable material. In 4 is this compared to the 2 extended fasteners 12 realized.

The extended recording section 14 ' is in the form of a cavity between the first section 5A with already activated swellable material and a back wall of the cover 3 released by the cover 3 lifted and at a greater distance to the component cavity 4 is fixed again. In the extended recording section 14 ' then becomes swellable material 5 introduced, which is the second section 5B forms.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments herein, it is not limited thereto, but modifiable in a variety of ways.

For example, the swellable material 5 in all embodiments rather than above the entire component cavity 4 also only locally over certain areas of the component cavity 4 be provided. This can advantageously be the case in component areas, which should have a higher fiber volume content to the rest of the component. For example, this may apply to a wing root, a wing area in which the spar is subsequently bonded, certain areas of a crash toe or the like. Likewise, a local application can advantageously be provided at locations which have an increased risk for accumulations of matrix material, so-called pure resin areas.

The cover 3 can be dimensionally stable or flexible. In a flexible embodiment, a sufficient tensile rigidity of the material of the cover is provided, so that despite the flexibility of a desired pressure on the Bauteilkavität 4 can be exercised.

The cover 3 can, but does not necessarily need the receiving portion designed as a cavity 14 in which the swellable material 5 is provided, hermetically seal against the environment. A waiver of a hermetic seal may also be advantageous because, for example, in the activation of the swellable material 5 can escape resulting reaction gases. Furthermore, this simplifies the structure of the cover 3 in particular for a local application of the swellable material 5 ,

The receiving portion designed as a cavity 14 Already before infiltration with swellable material 5 be filled so that the Bauteilkavität 4 can not expand in the direction of the cover. For this, the swellable material may already have been activated. Depending on the amount of swellable material 5 can the degree of compaction of the infiltrated fiber material of the fiber element 9 be set. Subsequently, without risk of fiber shifts, the matrix material with a pressure greater than atmospheric ambient pressure in the Bauteilkavität 4 be injected.

Will swellable material 5 In this way, even before the onset of infiltration, injection of the matrix material may then proceed in a similar manner as is known in closed mold resin infusion processes.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

Tool

3

cover

4

component cavity

5

swellable material

5A, 5B

sections

6

matrix feed

7

flow front

8th

matrix

9

fiber element

10

vacuum equipment

11

poetry

12

fastener

13

suction

14

receiving portion

14

extended recording section

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102013006940 A1 [0006]

Claims (15)

Contraption ( 1 ) for producing a fiber composite component, comprising: a one-sided shaping tool ( 2 ); a cover ( 3 ), wherein between the one-sided shaping tool ( 2 ) and the cover ( 3 ) a component caucity ( 4 ) is provided; and a receiving section ( 14 ) for receiving a swellable material ( 5 ), which is provided to in a activated state, a pressure on the Bauteilkavität ( 4 ) exercise. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover ( 3 ) at the side of the component cavity ( 4 ) on the one-sided shaping tool ( 2 ) is fixed. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the swellable material ( 5 ) at predetermined portions of the cover ( 3 ) for applying predetermined portions of the component cavity ( 4 ) is provided with a pressure. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the swellable material ( 5 ) at least in a region near a matrix feed ( 6 ) of the Bauteilkavität is arranged and for accelerating a flow front ( 7 ) of a matrix material by building up a pressure in the region of the matrix feed ( 6 ) is provided. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover ( 3 ) having a plurality of individually, in particular independently, activatable sections ( 5A . 5B ) Is formed providable with swellable material. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individually activatable sections ( 5A . 5B ) are superposed, with a first section ( 5A ) is already activatable before or for the injection of a matrix material and / or wherein a second section ( 5B ) can be activated after or shortly before the end of an infiltration to apply an increased and / or pressure acting on further surfaces. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the cover ( 3 ) is extensible, wherein after the introduction and / or activation of the first section ( 5A ) with swellable material an extended receiving section ( 14 ' ) within the cover ( 3 ) for introducing the second section ( 5B ) Is releasable with swellable material. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the swellable material ( 5 ) within a bag, in particular with a stretchable outer skin, under the cover ( 3 ) is provided. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the swellable material ( 5 ) comprises a foamable material, in particular a foamable configuration of polyurethane. Method for producing a fiber composite component, in particular by means of a device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following method steps: inserting a fiber element ( 9 ) in a Bauteilkavität ( 4 ); and applying pressure to the component cavity ( 4 ) by activating a swellable material ( 5 ). Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the swellable material ( 5 ) after a complete infiltration of the fiber element ( 9 ) with a matrix ( 8th ) a pressure on the Bauteilkavität ( 4 ), wherein excess matrix material from the Bauteilkavität ( 4 ) is pressed. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the swellable material ( 5 ) in a first section ( 5A ) during or after evacuation of the component cavity ( 4 ) a pressure on the Bauteilkavität ( 4 ), wherein a predetermined degree of compaction of the fiber element ( 9 ) and / or residual air from the Bauteilkavität ( 4 ) and / or fixing the fiber element for subsequent infiltration. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the swellable material ( 5 ) after or shortly before the end of the complete infiltration of the fiber element ( 9 ) in a second section ( 5B ) is activated to apply an increased pressure and / or pressure acting on further surfaces. Method according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the swellable material ( 5 ) during infiltration in a region near a matrix feed ( 6 ) of the component cavity ( 4 ) is activated and thus accelerates a movement of a flow front of the matrix material. Method according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the swellable material ( 5 ) during activation the matrix ( 8th ), in particular by means of an exothermic chemical activation reaction and / or by supplying a heated propellant gas.

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