DE102020200508A1 - Print head, printing system and method for producing a fiber composite component - Google Patents

Abstract

A print head for a printing system for the additive manufacture of a fiber composite component is described. The printhead comprises a first feed section for feeding strand-like thermoplastic material into the printhead, a second feed section for feeding strand-like fiber material or conductor material as core material into the printhead; a heating device for plasticizing the thermoplastic material fed in through the first feed section, a cutting device for cutting through the core material fed in through the second feed section, and a nozzle with a central body which has a first section of an extrusion channel connected to the first and the second feed section for extruding a filament from in plasticized thermoplastic material embedded core material, and an end cap connected to the central body which defines a second section of the extrusion channel, the end cap having a diaphragm which defines a variable cross section of the second section of the extrusion channel.

Description

The present invention relates to a print head, a printing system and a method for producing a fiber composite component.

Fiber composite components, in which reinforcing fibers, such as carbon fibers, are embedded in a matrix material, have a high mechanical rigidity and resilience with a relatively low weight. Fiber composite components are therefore used as structural components, particularly in aircraft and automobile construction.

Additive manufacturing processes, in particular 3D printing processes, are now also used to manufacture fiber composite components. Efforts are also being made to integrate functional structures, such as signal lines, into fiber composite components. For example, in the EP 3 130 444 A1 a manufacturing process is described in which the component is built up in layers from filaments which are extruded from a print head. The filaments here have reinforcing fibers embedded in a plasticized thermoplastic material, for example in the form of carbon fibers. It is also proposed to integrate conductor materials into the filaments for signal transmission. A similar procedure is used in the US 2015/0165666 A1 described.

It is the object of the present invention to provide improved solutions for the additive manufacture of fiber composite components.

This object is achieved in each case by the subjects of the independent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a print head for a printing system for the additive production of a fiber composite component is provided. The printhead comprises a first feed section for feeding strand-like thermoplastic material into the printhead, a second feed section for feeding strand-like fiber material or conductor material as core material into the printhead, a heating device for plasticizing the thermoplastic material fed in through the first feed section and a cutting device for cutting through the core material fed to the second feed section. The feed sections are designed to transport the strand-like thermoplastic material or the strand-like core material into the printhead, in particular to a nozzle of the printhead, which will be described below. In particular, the feed sections can have corresponding conveying devices, for example in the form of roller drives or the like. The heating device can for example be an electrical heating device and is used to heat the thermoplastic material to a temperature in the range of its melting point or its glass transition temperature.

The printhead further comprises a nozzle with a central body, which defines a first section of an extrusion channel, connected to the first feed section and the second feed section, for extruding a filament from core material embedded in plasticized thermoplastic material, and an end cap connected to the central body, which has a second section of the Defined extrusion channel. The end cap has a screen which defines a variable cross section of the second section of the extrusion channel. The nozzle thus generally defines an extrusion channel in which the core material is integrated into the plastically deformable, at least partially melted thermoplastic material. A first section of the channel is formed by the central body. A second section arranged coaxially with the first section is formed by the end cap. The end cap has a screen defining an extrusion opening, the extrusion opening forming an end opening of the second section of the channel and the filament being extruded out of the extrusion opening. A diameter or a cross section of the extrusion opening and preferably of the entire second section of the extrusion channel can be set in a variable manner by means of the diaphragm.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a printing system for the additive manufacture of a fiber composite component is provided. The printing system comprises a first storage device for providing a strand-shaped thermoplastic material, a second storage device for providing a strand-shaped or thread bundle-shaped fiber material and a third storage device for providing a strand-shaped conductor material. The storage devices can be implemented, for example, as coils from which the respective strand-like material can be drawn off.

The printing system also has a print head according to the first aspect of the invention, a manipulator which can be moved in three spatial directions, to which the print head is coupled, and a control device which is signal-connected to the print head and the manipulator. The manipulator can, for example, have a plurality of robot arms which can be moved relative to one another, the print head being mounted on one of the robot arms. The control device can in particular be designed as an electronic control device which is generally set up to output control signals, for example in the form of electrical, optical or electromagnetic signals. The control device can for example a processor and a non-volatile data memory. The control device is set up to cause the manipulator to move the printhead along a predetermined path of movement, to actuate the cutting device of the printhead at predetermined points on the path of movement at which the manipulator stands still in order to cut through the core material fed through the second feed section, so that another core material can be fed into the second feed section and to operate the shutter of the printhead to change a cross-section of the filament.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for producing a fiber composite component is provided. In the method according to the invention, the fiber composite component is built up from a multiplicity of layers lying one above the other in a thickness direction. Each of the layers is formed by extruding structural filaments, each of which has a fiber material embedded in a thermoplastic material. The structural filaments are each laid down or arranged next to one another to form a layer. During the extrusion of the filaments, the thermoplastic material is in a plastically deformable state. In particular, the thermoplastic material can be present above a glass transition temperature or a melting point. Furthermore, at least one signal line running in the fiber composite component is formed by extruding a line filament which has a conductor material embedded in the thermoplastic material, the line filament forming part of one of the layers. The conductor filament is extruded in the same way as the structural filament and is arranged within a layer instead of a structural filament. The structural filaments and the at least one conductor filament are successively extruded from a printhead according to the first aspect of the invention, for example with the aid of a printing system according to the second aspect of the invention.

One idea underlying the invention is to produce a multifunctional fiber composite component, in which one or more signal lines are integrated, in an additive process by extruding filaments, with structural filaments with a core made of fiber material and line filaments with a core made of line material easily flexible inside the layers of the fiber composite component can be arranged. The print head according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a cutting device, for example in the form of a blade or the like, in order to be able to cut through the core material at a desired point, and a nozzle with an end attachment which has a diaphragm which is designed to cut through the Adjust or adjust the cross section of the extruded filament. The end cap of the nozzle defines a second section of an extrusion channel from which the filament exits. The diaphragm is designed to change the diameter of this second section or end section of the extrusion channel. For example, it can be provided that during the production of a fiber composite component the manipulator moves the print head along a predetermined trajectory in order to extrude a structural filament and thereby form a layer of the component, the manipulator stopping at a desired point on the trajectory and the cutting device the fiber material, which is fed to the printhead via the second feed section is severed. After the severing, another core material, e.g. an optical conductor material, is introduced into the second feed section and the manipulator moves the printhead further along the predetermined trajectory, with a conductor filament being extruded which directly adjoins the structural filament.

One advantage of the invention is that filaments of different thicknesses can be produced in a simple manner with the same nozzle or the same end attachment, in particular within a component. This also has the advantage that multifunctional fiber composite components can be produced with a greater degree of automation. In particular, core materials of different thicknesses can thereby be embedded in the thermoplastic material more easily if a certain ratio, for example a diameter ratio, of thermoplastic material to core material is given. The processing of various thermoplastic materials is also made easier.

Advantageous refinements and developments result from the subclaims referring back to the independent claims in connection with the description.

According to some embodiments of the printhead, it can be provided that the end attachment has a guide piece with a conical guide surface which is oriented towards a central axis of the extrusion channel, and that the diaphragm has several wedge-shaped diaphragm bodies, each of which has an inner surface facing the central axis, one on the guide surface of the guide piece adjacent outer surface and two contact surfaces connecting the inner surface and the outer surface, wherein the diaphragm bodies are arranged with their contact surfaces abutting one another, and wherein the diaphragm bodies are movable along the central axis, around the cross-section of the second section of the extrusion channel defined by the inner surfaces of the diaphragm body to vary. Due to the conical or funnel-shaped course of the guide surface, on which the visor body with their If the outer surfaces are in contact, a diameter or cross section defined by the inner surfaces of the visor body is enlarged or reduced by moving the diaphragm body along the central axis. The inner surfaces, which extend parallel or along the central axis, can in particular have a circular curvature. Likewise, the contact surfaces on which the visor bodies bear against one another can be curved in a circular manner, so that the visor bodies slide against one another when they are moved along the central axis. Since the inner surfaces of the visor bodies extend along the central axis, the thermoplastic material is guided on the inner surfaces during the extrusion of the filaments. This prevents damage, such as the formation of imperfections, of the thermoplastic material as well as kinking or twisting of the strand-like core material.

According to further embodiments, the guide piece can have a guide opening arranged coaxially to the central axis of the extrusion channel, towards which a diameter defined by the guide surface tapers, the diaphragm bodies being prestressed by means of a prestressing device along the central axis of the extrusion channel in the direction of the guide opening. The guide surface thus tapers in an extrusion direction along the central axis of the extrusion channel. The diaphragm bodies are pretensioned along the central axis with a spring, for example, so that they rest even more reliably on the guide surface. This makes it easier to adjust different cross-sections.

According to further embodiments, it can be provided that the end attachment has a drive device which is kinematically coupled to the visor body and by means of which the visor body can be moved along the central axis. For example, the drive device can be an electric linear motor, a spindle drive or a similar drive device which is set up to move the visor body relative to the guide piece. The drive device is coupled to the diaphragm body and can, for example, be supported on the guide piece, the central body of the nozzle or another structure which is arranged in a stationary manner relative to the guide piece.

According to some embodiments of the print head, the cutting device can be arranged on the second feed section. This advantageously facilitates the structural design of the nozzle.

According to some embodiments of the method, the thermoplastic material can comprise one or more of the following materials: a polyetheretherketone (PEEK), amorphous thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI), nylon, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS).

According to some embodiments of the method, the conductor material can comprise one or more of the following materials: optical conductor material such as quartz glass fibers or polymeric optical fibers, electrical conductor material such as copper wires, aluminum wires or the like.

According to some embodiments of the method, a first signal line can be formed in a first layer of the fiber composite component and a second signal line can be formed in a second layer following the first layer in the thickness direction, which crosses the first signal line at a crossing point, the first and the second signal line be conductively connected at the crossing point. For example, the line material can be exposed for conductive contact at a crossing point, e.g. by removing the thermoplastic material surrounding it at the crossing point. The line material can be exposed, for example, by guiding the plastic thermoplastic material past a separating plate after exiting the nozzle of the print head, on which the thermoplastic material is stripped from the conductive material over a short, predetermined area. It is also conceivable that after the conductor filament has been laid down, a contact piece made of the conductor material is driven into the filament at the point of intersection until it is in contact with the conductor material of the filament. This is preferably done as long as the thermoplastic material is still in a plastically deformable state. When the second conductor filament is deposited at the crossing point, the contact piece then penetrates into the second conductor filament and comes into contact with the conductor material of the second conductor filament. Complex circuits of the signal lines can thus be produced in a simple manner directly during the production of the fiber composite component. For example, even more reliable health monitoring circuits can be implemented in this way, by means of which mechanical damage to the fiber composite component can be detected and optionally localized.

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung eines Faserverbundbauteils gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 2 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines mittels eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens herstellbaren Faserverbundbauteils;
• 3 eine schematische Ansicht eines Drucksystems zur Herstellung eines Faserverbundbauteils gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung einer Düse eines Druckkopfs gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einer Ansicht entlang der Mittelachse eines Extrusionskanals;
• 5 eine Schnittansicht der in 4 gezeigten Düse, wobei eine Blende der Düse in einer ersten Stellung angeordnet ist;
• 6 eine Schnittansicht der in 4 gezeigten Düse, wobei die Blende der Düse in einer zweiten Stellung angeordnet ist;
• 7 eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Faserverbundbauteils, welches mittels eines Verfahrens gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung hergestellt wurde; und
• 8 eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Faserverbundbauteils, welches mittels eines Verfahrens gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung hergestellt wurde.

The invention is explained below with reference to the figures of the drawings. From the figures show:

• 1 a schematic view of a method for producing a fiber composite component according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 2 a perspective view of a fiber composite component which can be produced by means of a method according to the invention;
• 3 a schematic view of a printing system for producing a fiber composite component according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 4th a schematic representation of a nozzle of a print head according to an embodiment of the invention in a view along the central axis of an extrusion channel;
• 5 a sectional view of the in 4th nozzle shown, wherein a screen of the nozzle is arranged in a first position;
• 6th a sectional view of the in 4th nozzle shown, wherein the aperture of the nozzle is arranged in a second position;
• 7th a schematic sectional view of a fiber composite component which was produced by means of a method according to an embodiment of the invention; and
• 8th a schematic sectional view of a fiber composite component which was produced by means of a method according to a further embodiment of the invention.

In the figures, the same reference symbols denote the same or functionally identical components, unless stated otherwise.

In the 1 and 3 is an example and purely schematic of the principle of manufacturing a fiber composite component 200 by extrusion of filaments 205 shown. As in the 1 and 3 is shown by way of example, filaments 205 by means of a print head 205 which by a manipulator 104 is moved on a support surface 120a filed. The filaments 205 have a strand-like core material K on, which is made of a thermoplastic material P. is surrounded. The following is between structural filaments 205A which as core material K a fiber material F. , for example in the form of carbon fibers or similar reinforcing fibers, and conductor filaments 205B distinguished which as the core material K a duct material C. , for example in the form of electrical conductor materials such as copper, aluminum or the like or in the form of optical conductor materials such as quartz glass fibers or polymer optical fibers. The thermoplastic material P. may contain polyetheretherketone, amorphous thermoplastic polyetherimide, nylon, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, or the like.

The fiber composite component 200 is layered in a thickness direction T, which is transverse to the support surface 120a extends, built up. That is, the fiber composite component 200 is made by applying individual layers one after the other 210 formed, the individual layers 210 be formed one above the other or on top of one another with respect to the thickness direction T. As in 3 is shown schematically, each layer 210 by applying individual filaments 205 educated. In particular, there is one layer at a time 210 through a multitude of individual filaments 205 formed by these filaments 205 simultaneously or successively next to each other on the first surface 120a or the layer already formed on this 210 applied or deposited. During the application, the thermoplastic material lies P. in a plastically deformable or thermoplastic state, i.e. at a temperature in the range of the melting point or the glass transition temperature. This creates an integral connection with the neighboring filaments 205 or the filaments 205 the neighboring layer 210 achieved.

As in particular in 3 can be seen during the formation of a respective layer 205 at least one signal line 220 be formed. Instead of a structural filament 205 a line filament 205B filed. This forms the line filament 205B part of one of the respective layers 210 . The filaments 205 are by means of the print head 1 extruded. This is explained in detail below. Generally in the printhead 1 the thermoplastic material P. heated to a temperature in the range of the melting point or the glass transition temperature, the strand-like core material K into the heated, plastically deformable thermoplastic material P. embedded and thus a filament 205 generated, which from a nozzle 40 of the printhead 1 out to the support surface 120a is promoted.

1 shows, purely by way of example, the production of an elongated fiber composite component 200 with a trapezoidal cross-section. Of course, other cross-sectional shapes are also conceivable. 2 shows an example of a fiber composite component 200 with a first surface 200a and a second surface disposed opposite thereto 200b , with a thickness between the surfaces 200a , 200b through the layers 210 of the filaments 205 is defined. As in 2 Shown purely by way of example, the first surface 200a be flat and the second surface 200b forms an elevation in one end area 201 out. As in 2 shown as an example, different signal lines 220 in the fiber composite component 200 , especially in the cross section of the fiber composite component 200 between the first and second surfaces 200a , 200b or on the first or the second surface 200a , 200b of the fiber composite component 200 to get integrated. In 2 is shown by way of example that two optical conductors running parallel to one another, which are shown as dashed lines and extend over an entire longitudinal extent of the fiber composite component 200 extend than Signal lines 220 are provided. Furthermore, a plurality of electrical conductors shown as full lines can be used as signal lines 220 be provided. As in 2 can still be seen, the signal lines may become 220 at crossing points 222 cross. The signal lines can also be 220 only over part of a longitudinal extension or a transverse extension of the fiber composite component 200 extend.

The fiber composite component 200 can in particular with the help of a printing system 100 getting produced. 3 shows a printing system purely schematically 100 with a first storage facility 101 for providing the strand-like thermoplastic material P. , a second storage facility 102 for providing a strand-like or thread-bundle-like fiber material F. , one or more third storage facilities 103 for providing a strand-like conductor material C. , a printhead 1 , a manipulator 104 and a control device 105 .

The storage facilities 101 , 102 , 103 serve to hold each strand-like thermoplastic material P. , Fiber material F. and conductor material C. . For example, the storage facilities 101 , 102 , 103 be designed as storage coils, as shown in 3 is shown purely schematically. As in 3 is also shown by way of example, each can have a first storage device 101 and a second storage facility 102 and several third storage facilities 103 be provided. In general, however, it is also conceivable for a plurality of first and second storage devices in each case 101 , 102 provide to various thermoplastic materials P. and / or various fiber materials F. to hold and process.

The manipulator 104 is in 3 shown only symbolically as a block and is used to move the print head 1 along a predetermined trajectory. As in 1 is shown purely by way of example and only schematically, the manipulator 104 have several arms 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, 104E coupled to one another and movable relative to one another. In general, the manipulator 104 to be set up a movement of an end effector that is sent to the manipulator 104 is coupled to cause in three spatial directions. The printhead 1 is an end effector on one of the arms 104A-E (in the example of 1 mechanically coupled to the arm 104E) and can thus by the manipulator 104 can be moved anywhere in space, in particular at least in three spatial directions.

The control device 105 is in 3 also shown only symbolically as a block and is implemented as an electronic control. In particular, the control device 105 a processor (not shown) and a data memory (not shown). The processor can be implemented, for example, as a CPU, as an FPGA, as an ASIC or the like. In general, the processor is set up to generate output signals based on input or input signals, for example in the form of electrical or electromagnetic signals. The data memory preferably has a non-volatile data storage medium, for example a hard disk, a CD, a DVD, a floppy disk, a flash memory or the like. As in 3 is shown by way of example, the control device 105 for signal transmission with the manipulator 104 and the printhead 1 , or its individual components, be connected. This can be implemented via a wired connection, such as, for example, via Ethernet, CAN or the like, or a wireless connection, such as, for example, via WiFi, Bluetooth or the like.

The printhead 1 has a first feed device 11 , a second feed section 12th , a heater 20th , an optional cooling device 25th , a cutter 30th and a nozzle 40 on. The nozzle 40 defines an extrusion channel 3 in which the core material K into the thermoplastic material P. is embedded around a filament 205 train, and from which out the filament 205 is extruded.

The first feed section 11 is used to supply strand-like thermoplastic material P. into the printhead 1 or to the nozzle 40 . The second feed section 12th serves to supply optionally strand-like fiber material F. or conductor material C. as core material K into the printhead 1 or to the nozzle 40 . The feed sections 11 , 12th are generally set up for transporting or conveying strand-like material and can, for example, each have pairs of transport rollers (not shown) and a drive device (not shown) for driving at least one roller of the respective pair of transport rollers. Furthermore, the feed sections 11 , 12th Have guide structures (not shown), for example in the form of guide plates or the like, around the respective strand-like material P. , K into the extrusion channel 3 to introduce.

The heating device 20th can be implemented, for example, as an electrical heating device and is used for melting or generally for heating the thermoplastic material P. in the extrusion channel 3 . The heating device 20th can for example in the area of a central body 41 the nozzle 40 be arranged and is thermally attached to the extrusion channel 3 coupled. The optional cooling device 25th which can be implemented, for example, as a hydraulic heat exchanger, as a fan or the like, can in particular in the area of the feed sections 11 , 12th be arranged. In particular, the cooling device 25th in the area of the first feed section 11 be arranged. The optional cooling device is generally used 25th in addition, melting or, in general, unwanted heating of the thermoplastic material P. in the first infeed section 11 to prevent.

The cutting device 30th is for separating the core material K intended. In 3 is the cutting device 30th shown only symbolically and can, for example, have one or more cutting blades. As in 3 is shown by way of example, the cutting device 30th for example at the second feed section 12th be arranged. After cutting through a respective core material K , for example the fiber material F. , can be a different core material K , e.g. a conductor material C. into the second feed section 12th to be introduced. This can be done manually or automatically.

the 4th until 6th each show exemplary detailed views of the nozzle 40 of the printhead 1 out 3 . The nozzle 40 has a central body 41 and one to the central body 41 coupled end attachment 42 on.

As in 3 is shown only schematically, the central body 41 be realized in particular as an elongated, block-shaped, for example cylindrical component. The central body 41 defined one with the first and second feed sections 11 , 12th connected first section 3A of the extrusion channel 3 . As in the 5 and 6th is shown purely by way of example, the first section 3A of the extrusion channel 3 have a central tube 31 which is connected to the second feed section 12th is coupled and for guiding the core material K serves, and a jacket tube 32 which surrounds the central tube 31 and is coupled to the first feed section 32. The cladding tube 32, which on one facing away from the feed sections 11 , 12th located end can protrude over the central tube 31, as shown in 5 is shown by way of example, the thermoplastic material P. fed where it is melted. When the core material K exits the central tube 31, it is thus in the melted thermoplastic material K embedded.

The final essay 42 is facing away from one of the feed sections 11 , 12th located end of the central section 41 to the central section 41 coupled.
The final essay 42 can in particular a guide piece or a guide body 43 and an aperture 50 exhibit. Generally defined by the final article 42 a second section 3B of the extrusion channel 3 , with the aperture 50 a variable cross-section d3 of the second section 3B of the extrusion channel 3 Are defined. The second section 3B of the extrusion channel 3 preferably extends coaxially with the first section 3A of the extrusion channel 3 so that the first and second sections 3A , 3B a common central axis M3 exhibit.

The guide body or the guide piece 43 is stationary relative to the central section 41 the nozzle 40 arranged or fixedly connected to this, for example screwed to this. As in the 3 , 5 and 6th is shown by way of example, the guide piece 43 be designed as a funnel-shaped, conical component, which with increasing distance from the central body 41 runs in. The guide piece 43 is generally used for the storage and guidance of visor bodies 51 the aperture 50 . As in the 5 and 6th is shown by way of example, the guide piece 43 with a first ending 43A with the central section 41 the nozzle 40 be connected and at an opposite end to the first end 43A located second end 43B a guide opening 44 exhibit. Optionally, the guide piece 43 one the central axis M3 of the extrusion channel 3 surrounding and this facing guide surface 43a on. As in the 4th and 5 shown by way of example, the guide surface 43a one along the central axis 3A to the guide opening 44 or to the second end 43B Define the tapering diameter d43.

The aperture 50 has several visor bodies 51 on. The visor body 51 are on the guide piece 43 relative to the central axis M3 movably mounted. The visor body 51 are with respect to a radial direction R3 which is perpendicular to the central axis M3 of the extrusion channel 3 extends, spaced from the central axis and define a cross-section or a minimum cross-section d3 of the extrusion channel 3 . The visor body 51 are on the guide piece 43 relative to the central axis M3 mounted movably in such a way that they can be moved at least in the radial direction R3, around the cross section d3 of the second section 3B of the extrusion channel 3 to vary. This can be done, for example, in that the visor body 51 are realized in a wedge shape, as shown in the 4th until 6th is shown schematically and purely by way of example.

As in the 4th until 6th is shown by way of example, the visor body 51 an inner surface 51i , an outer surface opposite to this 51a and opposing first and second contact surfaces 51b, 51c which are the inner surface 51i and the outer surface 51a associate. As in 4th is shown by way of example, the inner surface 51i be concave, preferably circularly curved. The outside surface 51a can in particular be convex, preferably circularly curved, and extends over a larger angular range than the inner surface 51i . As in 4th Also shown by way of example, the first contact surface 51b can be curved in a circularly concave manner and the second contact surface 51c be circular convex curved. In this case, the first and the second contact surface 51b, 51c preferably have the same radius of curvature. The visor body 51 can in particular be made of a metal material, for example a structural steel or an aluminum alloy.

As in 4th is shown schematically, the visor body 51 be arranged so that their inner surfaces 51i the central axis M3 of the extrusion channel 3 facing and their outer surfaces 51a on the guide surface 43a of the guide piece 43 issue. Furthermore, there is a first contact surface 51b of the one visor body 51 on a second contact surface 51 b of an adjacent, further visor body 51 on. The inner surfaces 51i together define a cross-section d3 or a minimum cross-section of the extrusion channel 3 or the second section 3B of the extrusion channel 3 . The visor body 51 can optionally be movably coupled to one another, for example via a ring which is inserted into one of the number of visor bodies 51 corresponding number of segments 52 is divided, the segments 52 are interconnected by springs 53. The springs 53 tension the segments 52 and with it the visor body 51 in a circumferential direction, so that this in the radial direction R on the guide surface 43a of the guide piece 43 be pressed. Alternatively or additionally, the visor body 51 also be movably guided in recesses (not shown) of a ring. Furthermore, it can alternatively or additionally also be provided that the visor body 51 by means of a pretensioning device 60 , e.g. a spring like this in the 5 and 6th is shown by way of example, along the central axis M3 of the extrusion channel 3 towards the guide opening 44 are biased.

As in particular in the 5 and 6th can be seen by moving the visor body 51 along the central axis M3 , for example by means of a kinematic to the visor body 51 coupled drive device 65 , as shown schematically in the 5 and 6th shown is the cross section d3 of the extrusion channel 3 can be varied. In 5 is the final essay 42 shown in a first state in which the visor body 51 relatively far from the guide opening 44 of the guide piece 43 stick out. This creates a relatively small diameter or cross-section d3 of the second section 3A of the extrusion channel 3 Are defined. By moving the visor body 51 along the central axis M3 towards the first end 3A of the guide piece 43 will slide the visor body 51 on the guide surface 43a and move due to their wedge-shaped cross-section and the increasing diameter d43 of the guide piece 43 also in the radial direction R3, whereby the through the inner surfaces 51i the visor body 51 defined cross-section d3 of the second section 3A of the extrusion channel 3 is enlarged as shown in 6th is shown. In 6th is the diameter d3 thus larger than in 5 and the aperture 50 is in 6th therefore in a more open state than in 5 .

The control device 105 can for example be set up to generate a control signal which the drive device 65 caused the visor body 51 along the central axis M3 to move. Furthermore, the control device 105 be set up to generate control signals to a power of the heating device 20th and optionally the optional cooling device 25th to control or regulate the cutting device 30th to operate and the manipulator 104 to cause the printhead 1 to move along a predetermined trajectory.

To use the printing system 100 a fiber composite component 200 made of structural filaments 205A and line filaments 205B to establish causes the control device 105 the manipulator 104 the print head by means of appropriate control signals 1 to move the filaments along a certain trajectory 205 of the respective layer 210 to discard. Depending on the core material K and thermoplastic material P. can the control device 105 the power of the heater 20th and optionally the cooling device 25th control or regulate by means of appropriate control signals as well as the desired diameter of the filament 205 using the bezel 50 set, e.g. by opening the aperture 50 by means of a drive device 65 based on corresponding control signals from the control device 105 is set.

During the manufacture of the component 200 can optionally be a structural filament 205A or a line filament 205B one after the other from the printhead 1 be extruded. This is done by moving the manipulator 104 and the material feed into the printhead 1 through the feed sections 11 , 12th stopped, for example by appropriate control signals from the control device 105 . Furthermore, the cutting device 30th by a control signal of the control device 105 caused that momentarily by the second feed section 12th supplied strand-like core material K , e.g. the fiber material F. to cut through and another core material K , for example an optical conductor material, is fed into the second feed section 12th introduced. There is also an option to change the diameter d3 of the second section 3B of the extrusion channel 3 be initiated. Then there is another movement of the print head 1 along the trajectory by means of the manipulator 104 caused.

In the 7th and 8th is shown by way of example that signal lines 220A, 220B, which in neighboring layers 210A , 210B of the fiber composite component 200 get lost and come to an intersection 222 cross, can be conductively contacted with each other. This is done in a first layer 210A of the fiber composite component 200 a first signal line 220A by extruding a conductor filament 205B and in one in the thickness direction T on the first layer 210A following second layer 210B becomes a second signal line 220B by extruding another conductor filament 205B which crosses the first signal line 220A at an intersection point. The conductor filaments 205B the first and the second signal line 220A, 220B can in particular use the same conductor material C. as core material K exhibit. The conductor materials can be used for conductive contacting C. of the crossing conductor filaments 205B for example, can be brought into direct physical contact, as exemplified in 7th is shown. This can be realized, for example, by adding the conductor filaments 205B in the area of the crossing point with a larger diameter d205 are extruded than the neighboring structural filaments 205A , and the thermoplastic material P. is then removed to the conductor material C. to expose. Like this in 3 is shown schematically, for example, directly on the nozzle 40 , in particular in the area of an outlet opening of the second section 3B of the extrusion channel 3 , a plate 70 which can be moved in the radial direction R3 and which, as indicated by the double arrow A70 indicated movable and thus with the filament 205 can be brought into contact. When depositing the filaments 205B at the intersection 222 there can thus be physical contact between the conductor materials C. getting produced.

Alternatively, a contact piece can also be used 223 be provided, which is m crossing point 222 in the thickness direction T between the conductor material C. of the conductor filament 205B the first layer 210A and the conductor material C. of the conductor filament 205B the second layer 210B extends, as in 8th is shown by way of example and schematically. The contact piece 223 can in particular be made of the same conductor material C. be manufactured as it is in the conductor filaments 205B is used. The contact piece 223 can, for example, after the conductor filament has been deposited or extruded 205B the first layer 210A at the intersection 222 into the conductor filament 205B the first layer 210A be introduced.

As can be seen from the above description, the flexibly adjustable cross-section d3 of the second section 3B of the extrusion channel 3 a multifunctional fiber composite component 200 , in which one or more signal lines 220 are integrated, can be produced in an efficient manner. In particular, the flexibility with regard to the core materials used K and the thermoplastic materials P. enlarged. Furthermore, complex courses and circuits of signal lines can also be used 220 in a simple way in the fiber composite component 200 to get integrated.

Admittedly, based on the 4th until 6th a specific version of a diaphragm 50 described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. It is generally provided that the aperture 50 several visor bodies 51 has, which has a cross section d3 of the second section 3B of the extrusion channel 3 define and on the guide piece 43 relative to the central axis M3 are movably mounted, the visor body 51 at least in one perpendicular to the central axis M3 extending radial direction R3 are movable to the cross section d3 of the second section 3B of the extrusion channel 3 to vary.

Although the present invention has been explained above using exemplary embodiments, it is not restricted thereto, but rather can be modified in many ways. In particular, combinations of the preceding exemplary embodiments are also conceivable.

List of reference symbols

1

Printhead

3

Extrusion channel

3A

first section of the extrusion channel

3B

second section of the extrusion channel

11

first feed section

12th

second feed section

20th

Heating device

25th

Cooling device

30th

Cutting device

40

jet

41

Central body

42

End essay

43

Guide piece

43a

Guide surface

43A

first end of the guide piece

43B

second end of the guide piece

44

Guide opening

50

cover

51

Visor body

51a

Exterior surface

51i

Inner surface

52

ring

60

Pretensioning device

65

Drive device

100

Printing system

101

first storage facility

102

second storage facility

103

third storage facility

104

manipulator

104A-E

poor

105

Control device

120

Work table

120a

Support surface

200

Fiber composite component

200a

first surface of the fiber composite component

200b

second surface of the fiber composite component

201

Elevation

205

Filament

205A

Structural filament

205B

Line filament

210

layers

210A

first layer

210B

second layer

220

Signal line

222

Crossing point

223

Contact piece

A70

Double arrow

C.

Conductor material

d3

Cross-section / diameter of the extrusion channel

d205

Cross section / diameter of the filaments

F.

Fiber material

K

Core material

M3

Central axis of the extrusion channel

P.

Thermoplastic material

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• EP 3130444 A1 [0003]
• US 2015/0165666 A1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Print head (1) for a printing system (100) for the additive production of a fiber composite component (200), with: a first feed section (11) for feeding strand-like thermoplastic material (P) into the printhead (1); a second feed section (12) for feeding strand-like fiber material (F) or conductor material (C) as core material (K) into the print head (1); a heating device (20) for plasticizing the thermoplastic material (P) fed through the first feed section (11); a cutting device (30) for cutting through the core material (K) fed through the second feed section (12); and a nozzle (40) with a central body (41) which has a first section (3A) of an extrusion channel (3) connected to the first and the second feed section (11; 12) for extruding a filament (205) from plasticized thermoplastic material (P ) defined embedded core material (K), and an end cap (42) connected to the central body (41) and defining a second section (3B) of the extrusion channel (3); wherein the end attachment (42) has a screen (50) which defines a variable cross section (d3) of the second section (3B) of the extrusion channel (3). Print head (1) Claim 1 , wherein the end attachment (42) has a guide piece (43) with a conical guide surface (43a) which is oriented towards a central axis (M3) of the extrusion channel (3), and wherein the screen (50) has a plurality of wedge-shaped screen bodies (51) each having an inner surface (51i) facing the central axis (M3), an outer surface (51a) resting on the guide surface (43a) of the guide piece (43) and two contact surfaces (51b) connecting the inner surface (51i) and the outer surface (51a); 51c), wherein the diaphragm bodies (51) are arranged with their contact surfaces (51b; 51c) lying against one another, and wherein the diaphragm bodies (51) can be moved along the central axis (M3) in order to allow the diaphragm bodies (51i) to be moved by the inner surfaces (51i). 51) to vary the defined cross-section (d3) of the second section (3B) of the extrusion channel (3). Print head (1) Claim 2 , wherein the guide piece (43) has a guide opening (44) which is arranged coaxially to the central axis (M3) of the extrusion channel (3) and towards which a diameter (d43) defined by the guide surface (43a) tapers, and wherein the diaphragm body ( 51) are prestressed by means of a prestressing device (60) along the central axis (M3) of the extrusion channel (3) in the direction of the guide opening (44). Print head (1) Claim 2 or 3 wherein the end attachment (42) has a drive device (65) which is kinematically coupled to the visor body (51) and by means of which the visor body (51) can be moved along the central axis (M3). Print head (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting device (30) is arranged on the second feed section (12) Printing system (100) for the additive production of a fiber composite component (200), with: a first storage device (101) for providing a strand-like thermoplastic material (P); a second storage device (102) for providing a strand-like or thread-bundle-like fiber material (F); a third storage device (103) for providing a strand-like conductor material (C); a print head (1) according to one of the preceding claims; a manipulator (104) which can be moved in three spatial directions and to which the print head (1) is coupled; and a control device (105) which is signal-connected to the print head (1) and the manipulator (104), the control device (105) being set up to cause the manipulator (104) to move the print head (1) along a predetermined path of movement move, to actuate the cutting device (30) of the print head (1) at predetermined points on the path of movement at which the manipulator (104) is stationary in order to cut through the core material (K) fed through the second feed section (12), so that a other core material (K) can be introduced into the second feed section (12), and to operate the shutter (50) of the print head (1) to change a cross-section of the filament (205). A method for producing a fiber composite component (200), comprising: building up the fiber composite component (200) from a plurality of layers (210) lying one above the other in a thickness direction (T), each of which is formed by extruding structural filaments (205, 205A), each one in a Thermoplastic material (P) having embedded fiber material (F) are formed; and forming at least one signal line (220) running in the fiber composite component (200) by extruding a line filament (205, 205B) which has a conductor material (C) embedded in the thermoplastic material (P), the line filament (205, 205B) having a part forms one of the layers (210); wherein the structural filaments (205, 205A) and the at least one line filament (205, 205B) successively from a print head (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 be extruded. Procedure according to Claim 7 wherein the thermoplastic material (P) comprises one or more of the following materials: a polyetheretherketone, amorphous thermoplastic polyetherimide, nylon, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers. Procedure according to Claim 7 or 8th wherein the conductor material (C) comprises one or more of the following materials: optical conductor material such as quartz glass fibers or polymer optical fibers, electrical conductor material such as copper wires, aluminum wires or the like. Method according to one of the Claims 7 until 9 wherein a first signal line (220A) is formed in a first layer (210A) of the fiber composite component (200) and a second signal line (220B) is formed in a second layer (210B) following the first layer (210A) in the thickness direction (T) which crosses the first signal line (220A) at a crossing point, and wherein the first and second signal lines (220B) are conductively connected at the crossing point.

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