DE102017124426A1 - Method and apparatus for consolidating fiber composite structures - Google Patents

Abstract

A method is provided for consolidating a fiber composite structure (10) with at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer, comprising arranging the fiber composite structure (10) between a plate-shaped base (20) and a plate-shaped cover (30), heating the fiber composite structure (10). to within the range of the melting temperature of the polymer, and creating a negative pressure in the gap (Z) between the base (20) and the cover (30), so that the ambient pressure presses the cover (30) against the base (20) and the Fiber composite structure (10) between the cover (30) and the base (20) is pressed. The method further comprises the steps of: introducing the arrangement of cover (30) and base (20) with the fiber composite structure (10) arranged therebetween into a vacuum chamber device which forms at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3), generating a negative pressure in the vacuum chamber at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) before and / or simultaneously with the generation of the negative pressure in the intermediate space (Z), after reaching a target pressure in the intermediate space (Z), reducing the negative pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) while maintaining the negative pressure in the gap (Z) and removing the arrangement of cover (30) and pad (20) with the interposed fiber composite structure (10) from the vacuum chamber means.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for consolidating fiber composite structures for, for example, automotive components.

Fiber composite applications have continued to increase over the past decades, especially when viewed as a cost-effective alternative to metallic materials, with the benefits of design freedom and application-specific formulation capabilities. Specifically, the material CFK (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) has an extremely high potential for lightweight construction, while being characterized by its high strength and very high structural rigidity. The latter is an important criterion in automotive engineering, for example.

The automatable production of the preform represents a key technology in the production process of continuous fiber reinforced fiber composite components to realize an efficient mass production with reproducible stable component quality. But also in so-called hybrid components, ie compression molded sheets, which are mainly pressed with carbon fiber semi-finished products to reinforce critical stress zones in addition All production units must be able to integrate plant and control technology if sufficient productivity is to be achieved.

For the production of continuous fiber reinforced components are now predominantly textile fiber semi-finished products such as fiber fabric or fiber fabric, which are partially or completely impregnated with a matrix. Furthermore, fiber webs can also be infiltrated with powdered plastic or produced from a blended yarn with a proportion of thermoplastic fibers whose thermoplastic fraction is melted during further processing and forms the matrix. The matrix of fiber-reinforced plastics has the task of embedding the heavy-duty fibers (supporting function) and completely filling their intermediate space (blocking function).

In principle, materials from the groups of thermoplastics and optionally additional elasticizing components, such as elastomers, which differ in strength, maximum elongation, operating temperature, processing speed and chemical resistance, can be used on matrix materials.

From these semi-finished products, which are available as rolls or sheets in standard formats, blanks are produced, for example, in a cutting process, which usually line the formed component over its entire surface.

Alternatively, continuous fiber-reinforced components can also be manufactured using fiber or tape-coating processes become much lower waste or waste and thus more resource efficient. In particular, the use of tapes made of thermoplastic continuous fibers proves to be a very attractive process variant. By "tape" in the context is preferably meant any type of sheet material, in particular a prepreg material having, for example, a width of between 30 and 200 mm, which is suitable for being deposited by means of a tape laying device. In the present case, "prepreg material" means, in particular, fiber yarns (rovings), fiber scrims and / or fiber webs which are partially or completely impregnated with a matrix, for example a thermoplastic matrix, in particular preimpregnated. The "fibers" are in particular carbon fibers, but in the same way also for glass fibers or other, especially man-made fibers or natural fibers applicable. For the processing of tapes is known to deduct them by tape laying devices, in particular so-called fiber placement devices from a spool or roll to cut to length and place on a laying table or already laid on the laying table tapestry. When a tape strip is deposited, it is connected pointwise to the underlying tape layer via a number of ultrasonic welding heads. Exemplary tape-laying devices are, for example, from the documents WO 2014/083196 A1 and US 8,048,253 known.

After laying fiber composite structures having a desired shape by means of tape laying of individual tapes, or by arranging large-area blanks, it is necessary to compress the fiber composite structures in a subsequent process step under the action of pressure and temperature and thus to form a laminate consolidate.

An exemplary method for consolidating fiber composite structures with thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymers is disclosed in the document DE 10 2014 004 053 A1 known. In this document, as in 1 shown proposed a fiber composite structure to be consolidated 1 on a rigid surface 2 to arrange, as well as a rigid cover 3 on the fiber composite structure 1 to place so that the fiber composite structure 1 in a space between the pad 2 and the cover 3 located. Laterally, the gap of a ring seal 5 sealed from resilient material. Next are radiation sources 4 provided above or below the cover 3 and the pad 2 are arranged and generate the electromagnetic radiation, in particular infrared radiation. The cover 3 and the pad 2 are for those of the radiation sources 4 generated electromagnetic radiation permeable, so that the electromagnetic radiation through the substrate 2 and the cover 3 through into the fiber composite structure 1 can be coupled. To the fiber composite structure 1 Consolidate the fiber composite structure 1 through the pad 2 and the cover 3 irradiated with the electromagnetic radiation to convert the impregnating polymer into a plasticized, molten state. In addition, the space between the pad 2 and the cover 3 by means of an opening into a gap in the pipe socket 6 connected vacuum pump (not shown), evacuated, so that as a result of the top of the cover 3 (Or at least partially from below on the surface 2 ) acting ambient pressure the fiber composite structure 1 under compression of the ring seal 5 between the cover 3 and the pad 2 is pressed.

An advantage of this method is the low required technical equipment effort, in particular the renunciation of pressing tools or the like, so that the process can be implemented easily and inexpensively. In addition, the method allows direct heating of the fiber composite structure 1 without it being necessary, for example, to heat large pressing tools, which makes the method very energy-efficient and thus cost-effective in operation.

However, this method has the potential for air pockets when closing the cover and backing, or air pockets forming during the compression and consolidation within the fiber composite structure, resulting in the formation of voids in the consolidated laminate. Although a certain ventilation of the fiber composite structure is provided by the applied negative pressure, but since the fiber composite structure is pressed between the base and the cover, it may happen that extraction of air pockets, especially in the middle of the fiber composite structure in some cases only insufficient. As a result, pores may form in the center of the fiber composite structure, which may lead to an optically inadequate impression of the surface of the consolidated laminate and / or to an inhomogeneous laminate. This problem exists especially with large formats, such as up to 2,000 mm × 2,000 mm or more.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method and an apparatus for consolidating a fiber composite structure which overcome the above disadvantages.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for consolidating a fiber composite structure which makes it possible to consolidate a fiber composite structure into a laminate while largely avoiding the formation of air pockets and / or pores, thus allowing a laminate to be laminated a perfect, homogeneous surface and with form.

These and other objects of the invention are achieved with a method and apparatus for consolidating a fiber composite structure as recited in claims 1 and 12. Further preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

As a first solution, there is provided a method of consolidating a fiber composite structure comprising at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer, comprising disposing the fiber composite structure between a plate-shaped pad and a plate-shaped cover, the cover being displaceable against the pad by a sealing element with respect to the pad heating the fiber composite structure by electromagnetic radiation at least up to the range of the melting temperature of the at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer, under the action of the cover against the pad oppressive Ambient pressure the fiber composite structure between the cover and the substrate is pressed. The method further comprises: inserting the cover and pad assembly with the fiber composite structure therebetween into a vacuum chamber means, the vacuum chamber means forming at least one chamber which at least partially seals the cover and / or pad against the environment, creating a negative pressure in the at least one a chamber before and / or simultaneously with generating the negative pressure in the space after the negative pressure in the space has reached a target pressure, reducing the negative pressure in the at least one chamber while maintaining the negative pressure in the gap, and after reducing the negative pressure in the at least one chamber, removing the arrangement of cover and pad with the interposed fiber composite structure from the vacuum chamber means.

Therefore, according to the invention, the pressing and consolidation of the fiber composite structure does not take place simultaneously with the evacuation of the gap, as with reference to FIG 1 explained method happens. Rather, the gap can first be evacuated without any compression of the fiber composite structure. This is accomplished by placing the cover and backing assembly with the fiber composite structure interposed therebetween into the vacuum chamber assembly, and evacuating the chamber (s) formed by the vacuum chamber apparatus, namely at or coincidentally with (or partially before) the vacuum chamber assembly Evacuate the gap. Due to the resulting negative pressure state in the chamber (s) of the vacuum device is prevented so that forms a pressure difference on the cover and / or the pad, which pressure difference would cause the cover and the pad to be pressed together the interposed fiber composite structure would be prematurely compressed. It is thus possible to evacuate the gap, without thereby the fiber composite structure is already compressed and compacted at this time. Air trapped in the fiber composite structure can thus more easily escape from the fiber composite structure into the intermediate space and be drawn off via the connected vacuum pump. Only after the fiber composite structure has been so vented, the negative pressure in / in the chamber (s) of the vacuum chamber device is reduced, for example by allowing ambient air at the prevailing ambient pressure to flow into the chamber (s) of the vacuum chamber device, while at the same time flowing in the vacuum chamber Space prevailing negative pressure condition is maintained. This results in a pressure difference on the cover and / or the base, which pressure difference causes the cover and the base to be pressed together, at the same time compressing the interposed fiber composite structure. Thereafter, the cover and pad assembly may be removed from the vacuum chamber assembly while still maintaining vacuum in the space to be placed in the range of radiation sources for heating the fiber composite structure where the fiber composite structure is heated to the melting temperature of the polymer under the action of the ambient pressure pressing the cover against the base, the now softened fiber composite structure is pressed between the cover and the base. This makes it possible to consolidate the fiber composite structure largely without or with only a few and very small air inclusions or pores and thus to form a high-quality laminate of high quality.

It is preferred that the heating of the fiber composite structure by means of electromagnetic radiation after removal of the arrangement of cover and pad with the interposed fiber composite structure from the vacuum chamber means is carried out to allow the simplest possible handling of the method. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to carry out the heating of the fiber composite structure by means of electromagnetic radiation prior to placing the cover on the substrate, and / or to carry out the heating within the vacuum chamber device.

Preferably, the cover is initially positioned at a distance above the fiber composite structure.

It is preferably provided that the cover has on at least two opposite sides in each case a support frame element, and / or the pad on at least two opposite sides each having a support frame element.

The cover and / or the base are preferably designed as a radiation-transparent element or comprise these, in particular formed as a glass plate or a glass ceramic plate or include these. The cover and / or the underlay should in particular be designed to be transparent for UV radiation, infrared radiation, laser radiation and / or microwave radiation.

The vacuum chamber means may preferably comprise a first chamber cover on which the pad positions can be so that the first vacuum chamber cover extends below the pad, wherein a first chamber between the first chamber cover and the pad is formed, further provided a seal between the first chamber cover and the pad, in particular a sealing element to the first chamber to seal the environment, and more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a pipe section, which allows to connect the chamber with a vacuum pump for generating the negative pressure in the first chamber. Further preferably, it can be provided that the sealing element provided between the base and the cover encloses a first active area, the sealing element provided between the first chamber cover and the cover encloses a second active area, and that the second effective area is larger than the first effective area.

Alternatively or additionally, the vacuum chamber means may comprise a second chamber cover which may be positioned on the cover such that the second chamber cover extends above the cover, a second chamber being formed between the second chamber cover and the cover, further comprising a seal between the second chamber cover second chamber cover and the cover is provided, in particular a sealing element to seal the second chamber to the environment, and more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a pipe section, which allows to connect the chamber with a vacuum pump for generating the negative pressure in the second chamber.

Further preferably, it may be provided that the sealing element provided between the base and the cover encloses a first active area, the sealing element provided between the first chamber cover and the base enclosing a second active area, and that the second effective area is larger than the first effective area. Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the second active area is greater than the first effective area by an amount that is dimensioned for a given pressure state upon partial or complete evacuation of the gap and the chamber formed between the first chamber cover and the pad is, results in a resultant force, which is preferably directed away from the fiber composite structure.

Further preferably, it may be provided that the sealing element provided between the base and the cover encloses a first active area, the sealing element provided between the second chamber cover and the cover enclosing a second active area, and that the second effective area is larger than the first effective area. Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the second effective area is greater than the first effective area by an amount which is such that for a given pressure state upon partial or complete evacuation of the gap and the chamber formed between the second chamber cover and the cover is a resultant force which compensates for the weight force exerted by the cover.

In a further preferred embodiment it can be provided that the first chamber cover and the second chamber cover are kept at a predefined distance from one another during the generation of a negative pressure in the chambers. This may more preferably be accomplished by forming appropriately sized bolts or spacers between the first chamber cover and the second chamber cover which support the second chamber cover on and opposite the first chamber cover.

Alternatively or additionally, retaining elements may be provided which respectively hold the first and second chamber covers in a predetermined position relative to, for example, a device frame and indirectly hold the first and second chamber covers relative to each other in position and at a predetermined distance.

Further alternatively, the vacuum chamber means may be formed as a vacuum housing into which the cover and pad assembly with the fiber composite structure interposed therebetween may be inserted, the vacuum housing forming a chamber surrounding the inserted cover and pad assembly with the fiber composite structure therebetween. wherein more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a pipe section, which allows to connect the chamber with a vacuum pump for generating the negative pressure in the chamber.

The seal can be carried out in each case by means of a sealing element, in particular an elastic ring seal.

The intermediate space and the at least one chamber can each be connected to a same vacuum pump. Alternatively, separate vacuum pumps may be provided for the intermediate space and the at least one chamber, more preferably the vacuum pumps being controlled and / or operated such that the pressure in the at least one chamber is less than the pressure in the intermediate space, in particular at least 1 mbar. 2 mbar, 5 mbar or 10 mbar is less than the pressure in the intermediate space.

As another solution, there is provided an apparatus for consolidating a fiber composite structure with at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer comprising a plate-shaped pad; a plate-shaped cover; a sealing member for displaceably sealing the cover with respect to the pad; at least one radiation source for generating electromagnetic radiation for heating the fiber composite structure by means of electromagnetic radiation at least up to the range of the melting temperature of the at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer; and a vacuum pump for generating a negative pressure in the space between the base and the cover. The apparatus further comprises a vacuum chamber device, into which the arrangement of cover and base can be introduced with the fiber composite structure arranged therebetween, wherein the vacuum chamber device forms at least one chamber, which the cover and / or the pad seals against the environment, wherein the device is operable to generate a negative pressure in the at least one chamber before and / or simultaneously with the generation of the negative pressure in the gap, after reaching a target pressure in the gap Reduce negative pressure in the at least one chamber while maintaining the negative pressure in the intermediate space, and remove after removal of the negative pressure in the at least one chamber, the arrangement of cover and pad with the interposed fiber composite structure from the vacuum chamber means.

The device may preferably be suitable for carrying out a method as described above.

As yet another solution, there is provided a plant for consolidating a fiber composite structure having a loading / unloading station, a heating station, and a cooling station comprising a device as described above, and which is arranged at the loading / unloading station with a fiber composite structure in the loading / unloading station or in a station located between the loading / unloading station and the pressing station, the arrangement of cover and underlay with the interposed fiber composite structure in the vacuum chamber device to produce in the at least one chamber and in the space the negative pressure abz after reaching a target pressure in the gap the negative pressure in the at least one chamber while maintaining the negative pressure in the intermediate space and after removing the negative pressure in the at least one chamber, remove the assembly of cover and pad with the fiber composite structure therebetween from the vacuum chamber means, moving the pad and the cover with the fiber composite structure placed therebetween to the heating station, in the heating station, using the fiber composite structure the at least one radiation source being heated at least to within the range of the melting temperature of the at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer, the negative pressure in the intermediate space consolidating the softened fiber composite structure between the cover and the substrate; after consolidation, moving the underlay and the cover with the consolidated fiber composite structure placed therebetween to the cooling station; in the cooling station, preferably to cool the assembly of base, cover and the interposed fiber composite structure while maintaining the negative pressure; after cooling, move the backing and the cover with the fiber composite structure placed therebetween to the loading / unloading station; and in the loading / unloading station, lifting the cover from the pad to remove the consolidated fiber composite structure from the pad or to remove the pad coated with the consolidated fiber composite structure.

The cooling station can have a first and a second cooling plate, wherein for cooling the arrangement of base, cover and the fiber composite structure placed therebetween can be arranged on the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate can be lowered onto the arrangement of base, cover and the interposed fiber composite structure can. Due to the direct contact with the cooling plates, a good heat conduction and thus an efficient heat dissipation can be made possible.

Preferably, it can further be provided that the first and the second cooling plate can work as press plates of a press, such as to exert a predetermined pressing pressure on the arrangement of base, cover and the interposed fiber composite structure. In this way, it is possible to keep the fiber composite structure in the compressed state during the time in the cooling station, and thus to prevent the fiber composite structure from possibly expanding, thus undesirably losing its desired shape, and / or for further compression to provide the fiber composite structure.

Said system is preferably arranged to carry out a method as described above.

• 1 zeigt ein Verfahren zum Konsolidieren einer Faserverbundstruktur gemäß dem Stand der Technik;
• 2A bis 2D zeigen eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren zum Konsolidieren einer Faserverbundstruktur gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;
• 3 zeigt eine Vorrichtung zum Konsolidieren einer Faserverbundstruktur gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform;
• 4 zeigt eine Vorrichtung zum Konsolidieren einer Faserverbundstruktur gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform; und
• 5A bis 5B dienen der Erläuterung des Effekts unterschiedlicher von den Dichtelementen definierter Wirkflächen

The invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings:

• 1 shows a method for consolidating a fiber composite structure according to the prior art;
• 2A to 2D show an apparatus and method for consolidating a fiber composite structure according to a first embodiment;
• 3 shows an apparatus for consolidating a fiber composite structure according to a second embodiment;
• 4 shows an apparatus for consolidating a fiber composite structure according to a third embodiment; and
• 5A to 5B serve to explain the effect of different defined by the sealing elements active surfaces

With reference to the 2A to 2D First, a method for consolidating a fiber composite structure 10 described according to a first preferred embodiment.

As in 2A is shown, with a thermoplastic or thermoelastic polymers preimpregnated or with such polymers in the solid state, dissolved or deposited or deposited state offset fiber composite structure 10 on a plate-shaped base 20 arranged. Providing a sealing element 15 , in particular an elastic ring seal, which the fiber composite structure 10 laterally and preferably at a distance surrounds, is further a plate-shaped cover 30 above that on the pad 20 arranged fiber composite structure 10 positioned. The underlay 20 and the cover 30 are each formed of a for electromagnetic radiation, in particular infrared radiation, permeable and heat-resistant material. Particularly preferred are the pad 20 and the cover 30 each formed as plates of glass or a glass ceramic. For example, the cover 30 and the pad 20 each formed as a rectangular glass plates with a width of 500 mm, 1000 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm or more, and a length of 1000 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm, 2500 mm or more. The thickness of the glass plate may be, for example, 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm or more.

For easier handling of the cover 30 and the pad 20 to offer, they can each be attached to a support frame. The support frame may be made in one or more parts, and may cover 30 and the pad 20 completely or partially at their side edges. Accordingly, the shows 2A exemplified that on the cover 30 and the pad 20 two support frame elements each 21 or. 31 are arranged. For handling the cover 30 in particular for positioning the cover 30 over the pad 20 , can be attached to the support frame 31 side projections, recesses or the like (not shown) may be provided, which allow corresponding hooks or other holding elements (not shown) the support frame 31 , and thus the cover 30 to be able to engage. Will for the cover 30 and / or the pad 20 each used a glass plate, the glass plate, for example, by gluing with the corresponding support elements 21 . 31 be firmly connected. Other types of attachment, such as bolting, or even clamping in a groove, which in a support element 21 . 31 is provided, and which covers and clamps the glass plate on both sides are also conceivable.

In 2A is also a pipe section 61 formed passage, extending through the support element 31 extends through. About this pipe section 61 can, as described in more detail below, the gap Z be evacuated and put in vacuum.

The cover 30 Can directly on the pad 20 , or on the underlay 20 arranged fiber composite structure 10 be hung up. However, support elements (not shown) may preferably be provided, for example in the form of elastically compressible spacer elements, such as correspondingly dimensioned rubber elements, or else actively activatable actuator elements, which cover the cover 30 so opposite the pad 20 support that after applying the cover 30 over the fiber composite structure 10 and the pad 20 a gap between the fiber composite structure 10 and the cover 30 remains.

Subsequently, the arrangement of pad 20 , Cover 30 and interposed fiber composite structure 10 be arranged in a vacuum chamber device, as with reference to 2 B shown. In the embodiment of 2 B the vacuum chamber device is passed through a first chamber cover 40 and a second chamber cover 50 educated.

The first chamber cover 40 extends below the pad 20 , where the underlay 20 or the support frame element 21 the underlay 20 on the first chamber cover 40 rests, leaving a first chamber K1 between the first chamber cover 40 and the pad 20 is trained. Next is a sealing element 41 provided, between the first chamber cover 40 and the pad 20 or the support frame element 21 the underlay 20 is arranged to the first chamber K1 seal against the environment.

The second chamber cover 50 extends above the cover 30 , wherein the second chamber cover 50 on the cover 30 or the support frame element 31 the cover 30 rests, leaving a second chamber K2 between the second chamber cover 50 and the cover 30 is trained. Next is a sealing element 51 provided, between the second chamber cover 50 and the cover 30 or the support frame element 31 the cover 30 is arranged to the second chamber K2 seal against the environment.

The first and second chamber covers 40 . 50 For example, each may be formed as steel or aluminum plates.

To prevent from the load of the second chamber cover 50 the cover 30 against the pad 20 is pressed, spacer elements (not shown) are preferably provided, for example, designed as a corresponding dimensioned bolts or spacers and along the lateral periphery of the chamber cover 50 may be arranged, which the second chamber cover 50 on and opposite the first chamber cover 40 support. Other forms of support and / or support of the chamber cover 50 opposite the chamber cover 40 are also possible.

Like in the 2 B further illustrated, the pipe section 61 via a valve V1 and another pipe section 64 with a vacuum pump 65 connected. Through the first and second chamber covers 40 . 50 through are also as pipe sections 62 . 63 trained passageways formed via respective valves V2 . V3 also with the pipe section 64 and about this with the vacuum pump 65 are connected. The pipe sections 62 . 63 can each have more valves V4 . V5 be communicated with the ambient air.

The valves V4 . V5 are or will be closed at this stage, and the valves V1 to V3 are or are closed to by means of the vacuum pump 65 in the space Z and those in the chambers K1 and K2 to evacuate each contained air and to suck. In the chambers K1 and K2 , as well as in the gap Z In this way, a negative pressure state is generated.

Due to the stable design of the chamber covers 40 . 50 As steel or aluminum plates, they can withstand the outside pressure alone, without deforming. The support and / or support of the second chamber cover 50 opposite the first chamber cover 40 prevents further that the second chamber cover 50 relative to the first chamber cover 40 is moved and pressed on this. It therefore does not come to an undesirable premature pressing of the cover 30 on the pad 20 ,

As in this embodiment, the gap Z over the pipe sections 61 . 62 . 63 . 64 with the chambers K1 and K2 communicates forms in the interspace Z and in the chambers K1 and K2 each a negative pressure state with substantially the same pressure. It is therefore not from the chamber K1 towards the fiber composite structure 10 directed surface pressure on the substrate 20 exercised, and it is not from the chamber K2 towards the fiber composite structure 10 directed surface pressure on the cover 30 exercised. Thus, it is possible to have a negative pressure in the gap Z to generate, without thereby already a shift of the cover 30 relative to the pad 20 is caused, and thus it may be a negative pressure in the gap Z be built without the fiber composite structure 10 is compressed. Therefore, a good venting of the loose-lying, uncompressed fiber composite structure 10 and in particular a good suction of in the fiber composite structure 10 contained air pockets or other trapped air. It can be accomplished in this way that almost no residual air in fiber composite structure 10 remains so that in the course of the fiber composite structure 10 can be consolidated into a substantially non-porous laminate.

When the pressure in the gap Z a desired negative pressure state, for example, has reached a desired target pressure of 10 mbar or 5 mbar, the valves V2 and V3 closed, leaving the pipe sections 62 . 63 from the vacuum pump 65 be separated. Subsequently, the valves V4 . V5 opened to air from the environment in the chambers K1 and K2 to flow in. In the chambers K1 and K2 Consequently, a pressure level which corresponds to the atmospheric pressure of the environment is established, and a corresponding pressure difference is created with respect to the gap which remains in negative pressure Z , Accordingly, now practices in the chamber K1 prevailing air pressure a force on the pad 20 out, and in the chamber K2 prevailing air pressure exerts a force on the cover 30 out, leaving the cover 30 relative to the pad 20 is moved and the fiber composite structure 10 between the cover 30 and the pad 20 pressed and compressed, as in 2C symbolizes.

After the fiber composite structure 10 so vented, the arrangement of pad 20 , Cover 30 and interposed fiber composite structure 10 while still existing negative pressure in the gap Z are removed from the vacuum chamber device and in the range of radiation sources 14 for heating the fiber composite structure 10 be arranged as in 2D shown. It can, as in 2D shown, radiation sources 14 be provided, which is above the cover 30 and below the pad 20 are arranged, and which are adapted to electromagnetic radiation for heating the fiber composite structure 10 leave. Alternatively, it is also possible to have only one radiation source 14 above the cover 30 or below the pad 20 to arrange. The radiation sources 14 are preferably designed as infrared light sources. The below the pad 20 arranged radiation source 14 Optionally also in the support structure (not shown) for the pad 20 disposed his. Preferably, the radiation sources 14 designed as a surface radiator, which the cover 30 and / or the pad 20 irradiate substantially over the entire surface and with substantially the same area-related radiation density. That in the fiber composite structure 10 contained polymer will now be molten and, under the influence of the compressive pressure of cover 30 and underlay 20 , flow into any remaining cavities and fill them.

Having in this way the fiber composite structure 10 pressed and laminated to a laminate, also known as Tailored Blank, has been consolidated, and after the laminate is cooled, the cover can 30 be opened. This can be done easily by turning off the vacuum in the space and the cover 30 is lifted.

The method may preferably be in a system (not shown) for consolidating a fiber composite structure 10 having a loading / unloading station, a heating station and a cooling station.

In the loading / unloading station, the underlay can 20 for example, be made accessible to an operator so that the operator has a fiber composite structure 10 , such as a Tapelge laid Tapegelege on the surface 20 can place. About a provided in the system holder, for example, on the support frame of the cover 30 can attack, the cover will 30 on or above the surface 20 placed so that the fiber composite structure 10 as above with reference to 2A described further by means of the sealing device 15 sealed gap Z located.

The underlay 20 can then, together with the fiber composite structure arranged thereon 10 as well as the cover also arranged above it 30 , are moved to the heating station, in which the fiber composite structure 10 from the radiation sources 14 irradiated and heated, for example, to a temperature in the range between 200 and 400 ° C, depending on the impregnating polymer, to the core of the fiber composite structure 10 is molten. In the heating station can be provided that a lifting table is arranged, which is preferably formed with a flat table surface to the pad 20 by a (not shown) conveyor, which provides for the transport in the plant to lift and so to spend in a well-defined position.

After pressing is, preferably in a further applied vacuum, the entirety of pad 20 , Cover 30 and sandwiched fiber composite structure therebetween 10 moved to the cooling station.

In the cooling station, a first cooling plate, for example in the form of a cooling table, be provided, on which the pad 20 is dropped, or which can be raised to get in touch with the pad 20 to be brought. Also, a second cooling plate may be provided, which from above in contact with the cover 30 is brought. Alternatively, the first cooling plate or the cooling table, the pad 20 lift it up until the cover 30 is brought into contact with the second cooling plate. With the cooling plates are the cover 30 and the pad 20 , as well as indirectly the fiber composite structure 10 cooled, for example, until the fiber composite structure 10 is cooled in the core to a temperature below 150 ° C, preferably below 100 ° C and the impregnating polymer solidified.

Preferably, it can further be provided that the first and the second cooling plate can work as press plates of a press, in this way, a predetermined pressing pressure on the arrangement of base 20 , Cover 30 and the fiber composite structure placed therebetween 10 exercise. In this way it is possible, even during the time in the cooling station, the fiber composite structure 10 to keep in the crimped state, and so to prevent the fiber composite structure 10 possibly expanded and thus undesirably loses its desired shape, and / or for further compression of the fiber composite structure 10 to care.

Subsequently, the whole of pad 20 , Cover 30 and sandwiched fiber composite structure therebetween 10 be moved to the loading / unloading station, in which the cover 30 be lifted and the operator the ready to laminate consolidated fiber composite structure 10 can take.

To prevent excessive compression of the fiber composite structure 10 to avoid, can be provided, more preferably, stop pieces (not shown) between the cover 30 and the pad 20 and / or between the respective support frame elements 31 . 21 provided. The stop pieces are in height according to the target thickness of the consolidated fiber composite structure 10 sized. The stop pieces can be made for example of a metal. However, the stop pieces are preferably formed from a temperature-resistant plastic material, in particular with low specific heat capacity. This has the advantage that these stop pieces during cooling of the fiber composite structure 10 also cool quickly and it does not come to an effect that the stop pieces remain hot beyond the cooling process and at a next introduction of a Fiber composite structure 10 These are heated prematurely and undesirably locally, which could lead to uneven compression and consolidation.

Again with respect to 2 B can be advantageously provided that the sealing elements 41 . 51 which the chambers K1 . K2 seal, are placed further out than the sealing element 15 which the gap Z seals. This has the consequence that in the interspace Z prevailing pressure state acts on a relatively smaller area, namely that of the further inner sealing element 15 limited area, than that in the chambers K1 . K2 prevailing pressure state (in particular the same pressure), which acts in each case on the surface, which of the further outwardly arranged sealing elements 41 . 51 acts. On each outside the sealing elements 15 . 41 . 51 located area sections acts according to the ambient pressure. This will be with reference to 5A and 5B explained in more detail.

5A and 5B show schematically a sealing element 51 that on the cover 30 (more precisely between the cover 30 and the in 5A . 5B not shown second chamber cover 50 ) is positioned to provide a circumferential seal. This shows the 5A a schematic view from the side and the 5B a schematic view from above. The of the sealing element 51 enclosed area should here as effective area W2 be designated. This effective area W2 corresponds to the areal extent of the chamber K2 in which evacuation is the reduced pressure P _R prevails. In other words, the effective area W2 the area above which the reduced pressure P _R in the chamber K2 on the cover 30 acts.

Likewise, a sealing element 15 shown below the cover 30 (more precisely between the cover 30 and in the 5A . 5B not shown pad 20 ) is positioned to provide a circumferential seal. The of the sealing element 15 enclosed area should here as effective area WZ be designated. This effective area WZ corresponds to the areal extent of the gap Z , in which during evacuation also a reduced pressure P _R prevails. In other words, the effective area WZ the area above which the reduced pressure P _R in the gap Z on the cover 30 acts.

Outside of the sealing elements 15 . 51 each sealed areas prevails the ambient pressure.

For the cover 30 whose total area here as A is meant to signify that various pressure and weight forces attack. This is how the weight works F _G the cover 30 in the direction down. Also due to the reduced pressure P _R in the effective range W2 a downward force on the cover 30 exerted the product of the area, here the effective range W2 , and the pressure, here P _R , thus corresponds to F = W2 * P _R. Outside (relative to the sealing element 51 ), of a surface A - W2 corresponds, the ambient pressure prevails P _U , so that a downward force F = (A-W2) * P _{U is} exerted in the outer area.

From the bottom of the cover 30 Accordingly, an upward force acts on the reduced pressure P _R in the effective range WZ is caused, hence F = WZ * P _R , as well as due to the ambient pressure in the outer region (relative to the sealing element 15 ), of a surface A - WZ corresponds, an upward force F = (A- WZ ) * P _U.

As a resulting downward force _Res thus results: $$\begin{array}{l}{\text{F}}_{\text{res}}={\text{F}}_{\text{G}}+\text{W2}*{\text{P}}_{\text{R}}+\left(\text{A}-\text{W}2\right)*{\text{P}}_{\text{U}}-\text{WZ}*{\text{P}}_{\text{R}}-\left(\text{A}-\text{WZ}\right)*{\text{P}}_{\text{U}}\\ ={\text{F}}_{\text{G}}+\left(\text{W}2-\text{WZ}\right)*{\text{P}}_{\text{R}}-\left(\text{W}2-\text{WZ}\right)*{\text{P}}_{\text{U}}\end{array}$$

The resulting force _Res is thus determined only by the area difference of the active surfaces. Will the difference W2 - WZ as ΔW and the difference between ambient pressure and reduced pressure P _U - P _{R written} as ΔP, can _Res are given as follows. $${\text{F}}_{\text{res}}={\text{F}}_{\text{G}}-\Delta \text{W}\Delta \text{P}$$

This circumstance can be advantageously taken advantage of by a suitable choice of ΔW the weight F _G for a desired pressure difference ΔP, which may correspond to a state of partial or complete evacuation, so that the resultant force _Res becomes zero. For this case ΔW can be determined as: $$\Delta \text{W}={\text{F}}_{\text{G}}/\Delta \text{P}$$

For a cover 30 of glass, with a specific gravity of 2.5 g / cm ³ , of one surface A of 2 m ² and a thickness of 10 mm, for example, results in a weight of 50 kg, corresponding to a weight F _G of about 500 N.

In order to achieve a complete compensation of this weight force in a partial evacuation to, for example, approximately half the ambient pressure, assumed simplified as 500 mbar, an effective area difference ΔW of approximately 500 N / 0, 5 * 100,000 N / m ² = 0.010 m ² = 100 cm ^{2 are} provided.

If the evacuation continues, the pressure difference .DELTA.P increases, and thus overcompensation takes place so that the cover can be achieved 30 from the fiber composite structure 10 is pushed away.

A corresponding embodiment can advantageously also according to the sealing element 41 between the first chamber cover 40 and the pad 20 be provided.

By this arrangement, in particular a suitable choice of an effective surface difference .DELTA.W, it can be achieved that on the cover 30 and the pad 20 each due to the different surface pressure forces a resultant force _Res affects which the cover 30 and the pad 20 each of the fiber composite structure 10 push away and thus additionally counteracts a compression. This is advantageous because in this way an improved extraction of air inclusions from the fiber composite structure 10 achieve.

In addition or as an alternative, it is also possible to provide several vacuum pumps 65 to use, for example, a vacuum pump 65 which with the gap Z is connected and this sucks, and a second vacuum pump 65 which with the chambers K1 and K2 is connected and this sucks together. It is also conceivable for each of the chambers K1 . K2 a separate vacuum pump 65 provided. The different vacuum pumps 65 can now advantageously be operated, in particular controlled and / or regulated so that in the space Z and the chambers K1 . K2 set different pressure states. In particular, for example, it may be specified that the pressure in the intermediate space Z at least 1 mbar, 2 mbar, 5 mbar or 10 mbar is greater than the pressure in the chambers K1 . K2 , These different pressures result from the cover 30 and on the underlay 20 again different surface pressure forces, which manifest themselves in a resultant force, which the cover 30 and the pad 20 each of the fiber composite structure 10 push away and thus additionally counteracts a compression. This is advantageous because in this way an improved extraction of air inclusions from the fiber composite structure 10 achieve.

In the above, with reference to the 2A to 2D a preferred embodiment described in which by two chamber covers 40 . 50 two chambers K1 . K2 were formed, each one of the cover 30 and the pad 20 be formed adjacent located. However, this is not limiting, and other embodiments are conceivable as well.

So it is also conceivable, as in 3 shown, for example, only the second chamber cover 50 provide which adjacent the cover 30 is arranged. The underlay 20 may in this case preferably be formed with a larger material thickness, for example at least twice as thick as the cover 30 , and / or with one of the material used and the surface of the pad 20 Depending selected minimum thickness to a sufficient stiffness against bending due to the in the space Z To achieve negative pressure to be produced.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG 4 shown to be provided a vacuum housing 67 is provided, in which the pad 20 and the cover 30 be completely inserted, leaving the vacuum housing 67 the arrangement of cover 30 , Document 20 and interposed fiber composite structure 10 completely wrapped.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 10

Fiber composite structure

2.20

document

3,30,

cover

4, 14

radiation device

5, 15

sealing element

6

pipe socket

21

Supporting frame element

31

Supporting frame element

40

chamber cover

41

sealing element

50

chamber cover

51

sealing element

61, 62, 63, 64

Pipeline section

65

vacuum pump

67

vacuum housing

A

Area of the cover

F

force

F _G

weight force

_Res

resulting power

P _R

reduced pressure

P _U

ambient pressure

K1, K2, K3

chamber

V1, V2, V3, V4, V5

Valve

W2, WZ

active surfaces

Z

gap

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

• WO 2014/083196 A1 [0007]
• US8048253 [0007]
• DE 102014004053 A1 [0009]

Claims (24)

A method of consolidating a fiber composite structure (10) with at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer, comprising disposing the fiber composite structure (10) between a plate-shaped base (20) and a plate-shaped cover (30), the cover (30) being formed by a sealing element (30). 15) with respect to the pad (20) is displaceably sealed against the pad (20), creating a negative pressure in the gap (Z) between the pad (20) and the cover (30), and heating the fiber composite structure (10) by means of electromagnetic radiation at least up to the range of the melting temperature of the at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer, wherein under the influence of the cover (30) against the substrate (20) oppressive ambient pressure, the fiber composite structure (10) between the cover (20) and the substrate (20) is compressed, characterized in that the method comprises: introducing the arrangement au s covering (30) and pad (20) with the interposed fiber composite structure (10) in a vacuum chamber means, wherein the vacuum chamber means at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) forming the cover (30) and / or the pad (20 ) at least partially seals against the environment, generating a negative pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) before and / or simultaneously with the generation of the negative pressure in the intermediate space (Z), after the negative pressure in the intermediate space (Z) a target pressure has reached, removing the negative pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) while maintaining the negative pressure in the intermediate space (Z), and after removing the negative pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3), removing the assembly of cover (30) and base (20) with the fiber composite structure (10) arranged therebetween from the vacuum chamber device. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the heating of the fiber composite structure (10) by means of electromagnetic radiation after removal of the arrangement of cover (30) and base (20) with the interposed fiber composite structure (10) from the vacuum chamber means. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (30) is initially positioned at a distance above the fiber composite structure (10). A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vacuum chamber means comprises a first chamber cover (40) on which the pad (20) can be positioned such that the first chamber cover (40) extends below the pad (20) a first chamber (K1) is formed between the first chamber cover (40) and the pad (20), further comprising a seal between the first chamber cover (40) and the pad (20), in particular a sealing element (41) to seal the first chamber (K1) to the environment, and more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a pipe section (62), which allows the chamber (K1) with a vacuum pump (65) to connect to the negative pressure in the first chamber (K1). A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vacuum chamber means comprises a second chamber cover (50) which can be positioned on the cover (30) so that the second chamber cover (50) extends above the cover (30) a second chamber (K2) is formed between the second chamber cover (50) and the cover (30), further comprising a seal between the second chamber cover (50) and the cover (30), in particular a sealing element (51) the second chamber (K2) to seal to the environment, and more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a pipe section (63), which allows the chamber (K2) with a vacuum pump (65) to connect to generate the negative pressure in the second chamber (K2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the base (20) and the cover (30) provided sealing element (15) includes a first active surface (WZ), and between the second chamber cover (50) and the cover ( 30) and / or the sealing element (41) provided between the first chamber cover (40) and the base (20) includes a second active surface (W2), and that the second active surface (W2) is larger than the first active surface (TM) is. Method according to Claim 6 characterized in that the second effective area (W2) is greater than the first effective area (WZ) by an amount (ΔW) sized to, for a given pressure condition, partially or completely evacuate the space (Z) and the chamber (K2) formed between the second chamber cover (50) and the cover (30) gives a resultant force (F _res ) corresponding to that of the Cover (30) applied weight (F _G ) compensated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first chamber cover (40) and the second chamber cover (50) during the generation of a negative pressure in the chambers (K1, K2) are kept at a predefined distance from each other. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vacuum chamber device is designed as a vacuum housing (67) into which the arrangement of cover (30) and pad (20) with the interposed fiber composite structure (10) can be introduced, wherein the Vacuum housing (67) forms a chamber (K3) which surrounds the introduced arrangement of cover (30) and base (20) with the interposed fiber composite structure (10), more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a pipe section (63), which allows the chamber (K3) to be connected to a vacuum pump (65) for generating the negative pressure in the chamber (K3). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing (s) takes place or takes place in each case by means of a sealing element (15, 41, 51), in particular an elastic ring seal. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate space (Z) and the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) are each connected to a same vacuum pump (65) and / or that for the intermediate space (Z) and the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) separate vacuum pumps (65) are provided, wherein preferably the vacuum pump (65) are so controlled and / or operated that the pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) is smaller as the pressure in the intermediate space (Z), in particular at least 1 mbar, 2 mbar, 5 mbar or 10 mbar is smaller than the pressure in the intermediate space (Z). Device for consolidating a fiber composite structure (10) with at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer, in particular for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 11 comprising a plate-shaped pad (20); a plate-shaped cover (30); a sealing member (15) for displaceably sealing the cover (30) with respect to the pad (20); at least one radiation source (14) for generating electromagnetic radiation for heating the fiber composite structure (10) by means of electromagnetic radiation at least up to the range of the melting temperature of the at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer; and a vacuum pump (65) for generating a negative pressure in the space (Z) between the base (20) and the cover (30), characterized in that the device further comprises a vacuum chamber device into which the cover (30) and (13) Underlay (20) can be introduced with the fiber composite structure (10) arranged therebetween, wherein the vacuum chamber device forms at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) which seals the cover (30) and / or the base (20) from the environment, wherein the device is operable to generate a negative pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) before and / or simultaneously with the generation of the negative pressure in the intermediate space (Z), after reaching a target pressure in the intermediate space (Z) reduce the negative pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) while maintaining the negative pressure in the intermediate space (Z), and after reducing the negative pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) the A Arrangement of cover (30) and pad (20) with the interposed fiber composite structure (10) to remove from the vacuum chamber means. Device after Claim 12 , characterized in that the cover (30) on at least two opposite sides each having a support frame member (31), and / or the base (20) on at least two opposite sides each having a support frame element (21). Device according to one of Claims 12 to 13 , characterized in that the cover (30) and / or the base (20) is formed as a radiation-transparent element or comprises this, in particular as a glass plate or a glass ceramic plate is formed or comprises. Device according to one of Claims 12 to 14 characterized in that the vacuum chamber means comprises a first chamber cover (40) on which the pad (20) can be positioned such that the first chamber cover (40) extends below the pad (20), a first chamber (K1) between the first chamber cover (40) and the base (20) is further formed, wherein further a seal between the first chamber cover (40) and the base (20) is provided, in particular a sealing element (41) to the first chamber (K1) to seal the environment, and more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a pipe section (62), which allows the chamber (K1) with a vacuum pump (65) to connect to generate the negative pressure in the first chamber (K1). Device according to one of Claims 12 to 15 characterized in that the vacuum chamber means comprises a second chamber cover (50) which can be positioned on the cover (30) such that the second chamber cover (40) extends above the cover (30), a second chamber (K1) between the second chamber cover (50) and the base (20) is further provided, wherein a further sealing between the second chamber cover (50) and the cover (30) is provided, in particular a sealing element (51) to the second chamber (K2) to seal the environment, and more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a pipe section (63), which allows to connect the chamber with a vacuum pump (65) for generating the negative pressure in the second chamber (K2). Device according to one of Claims 12 to 16 characterized in that the sealing element (15) provided between the base (20) and the cover (30) includes a first active surface (WZ), and the sealing element (51) provided between the second chamber cover (50) and the cover (30) ) and / or between the first chamber cover (40) and the base (20) provided sealing element (41) includes a second active surface (W2), and that the second active surface (W2) is greater than the first effective area (WZ). Device after Claim 17 characterized in that the second effective area (W2) is greater than the first effective area (WZ) by an amount (ΔW) sized to, for a given pressure condition, partially or completely evacuate the space (Z) and the chamber (K2) formed between the second chamber cover (50) and the cover (30) gives a resultant force (F _res ) which compensates for the weight force (F _G ) exerted by the cover (30). Device according to one of Claims 12 to 18 characterized in that further means are provided to maintain the first chamber cover (40) and the second chamber cover (50) at a predefined distance from one another during the creation of a negative pressure in the chambers (K1, K2). Device according to one of Claims 12 to 19 , characterized in that the vacuum chamber means as a vacuum housing (67) is formed, in which the arrangement of cover (30) and pad (20) with the interposed fiber composite structure (10) can be introduced, wherein the vacuum housing (67) has a chamber (K3) which surrounds the introduced arrangement of cover (30) and base (20) with the fiber composite structure (10) arranged therebetween, more preferably a passage is provided, in particular a pipe section (63), which allows the chamber (K3) with a vacuum pump (65) to connect the negative pressure in the chamber (K3). Device according to one of Claims 12 to 20 , characterized in that the sealing (s) takes place or takes place in each case by means of a respective sealing element (15, 41, 51), in particular an elastic ring seal. Device according to one of Claims 12 to 21 , characterized in that the intermediate space (Z) and the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) are each connected to a same vacuum pump (65) and / or that for the intermediate space (Z) and the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) separate vacuum pumps (65) are provided, wherein preferably the vacuum pumps (65) are so controlled and / or operated that the pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) is greater than the pressure in the intermediate space (Z), in particular at least 5 mbar is greater. Plant for consolidating a fiber composite structure (10) with at least one thermoplastic and / or thermoelastic polymer, in particular for carrying out a method according to one of Claims 1 to 11 , with a loading / unloading station, a heating station, and a cooling station, characterized in that the system comprises a device according to one of Claims 12 to 22 and in which the installation is set up: in the loading / unloading station, to pick up the underlay (20) covered with a fiber composite structure (10) or to provide the underlay (20) for occupation with a fiber composite structure (10), and over the cover (30) the base (20) to be positioned in the loading / unloading station or in a station located between the loading / unloading station and the heating station, the arrangement of cover (30) and base (20) with the fiber composite structure (10) interposed therebetween introducing the vacuum chamber device, in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) and in the intermediate space (Z) to generate the negative pressure, after reaching a target pressure in the intermediate space (Z) the negative pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3) while maintaining the negative pressure in the intermediate space (Z), and after removal of the negative pressure in the at least one chamber (K1, K2, K3), the arrangement of cover (30) and pad (20) with the between fiber composite structure (10) arranged to be removed from the vacuum chamber device, to move the base (20) and the cover (30) with the interposed fiber composite structure (10) to the heating station, in the heating station, the fiber composite structure (10) by means of the at least one radiation source (14) at least into the melting region of at least one thermoplastic and and / or thermoelastic polymer, and by means of the vacuum pump to create and / or maintain the negative pressure in the space (Z) for consolidating the fiber composite structure (10) between the cover (30) and the support (20); after consolidation, moving the base (20) and the cover (30) with the consolidated fiber composite structure (10) therebetween to the cooling station, in the cooling station, the assembly (20), cover (30), and the fiber composite structure placed therebetween (10) preferably to cool while maintaining the negative pressure; after cooling, move the base (20) and the cover (30) with the fiber composite structure (10) placed therebetween to the loading / unloading station; and in the loading / unloading station, lifting the cover (30) from the pad (20) to remove the consolidated fiber composite structure (10) from the pad (20) or to remove the pad (20) occupied by the consolidated fiber composite structure (10). Plant after Claim 23 , characterized in that the cooling station comprises a first and a second cooling plate, wherein for cooling the arrangement of base (20), cover (30) and the interposed fiber composite structure (10) can be arranged on the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate the arrangement of base (20), cover (30) and the interposed fiber composite structure (10) can be lowered, wherein preferably the first and the second cooling plate can work as pressing plates of a press, thus, a predetermined pressing pressure on the assembly of pad ( 20), cover (30) and interposed fiber composite structure (10) to maintain the fiber composite structure (10) in the compressed state and / or to provide further compression of the fiber composite structure (10).

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