DE202016105861U1 - Tape laying device for flexible and fast laying of tapes with short cycle time - Google Patents

Abstract

A tape laying apparatus (1) comprising: a material feed unit (10, 10a) for feeding a tape tape material (2), a cutter (20, 20a) for separating a tape (5, 5a) from the tape tape material (2) Laying device (40, 40a) for picking up and placing the severed tape (5, 5a) on a laying table (50), and a control and / or regulating device for controlling and / or regulating the operation of the tape laying device, characterized in that the Laying device (40, 40a) has a planar transport element and a vacuum device (45), wherein the vacuum device (45) can be activated and deactivated under control and / or regulation of the control and / or regulating device, and wherein the vacuum device (45) in such a way is connected to the flat transport element, so that the tape (5, 5 a) can be held by means of the negative pressure generated by the vacuum device (45) on a lower side of the flat transport element.

Description

The present invention relates to a tape laying apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1.

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 lightweight potential, while being characterized by its high strength and very high structural rigidity. The latter is an important criterion in automotive engineering, for example.

Therefore, today's development activities for fiber composite processing equipment ranges from pure machine development to turnkey production systems. The former usually include preform manufacturing units, press units and optionally injection units and post-processing units - the latter the corresponding automation for preform handling, tool cleaning, component removal and the like.

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, predominantly textile fiber semi-finished products such as fiber impregnated with a binder (hot melt adhesive) and / or with a matrix partially or completely impregnated fiber yarns and / or fabrics (so-called prepregs) such as fiber fabrics, fiber knits, fiber fabric or fiber mats used. 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 binder materials and / or matrix materials can be used materials from the groups of thermoplastics or thermosets and optionally additional elasticizing components, such as elastomers, which in the strength, the maximum elongation, the operating temperature, the processing speed and the Distinguish chemical resistance. Thermosetting molding compounds can be plasticized by the action of temperature, are malleable at this moment and then cure irreversibly under pressure and temperature. In contrast to the thermoplastics, the elastomers and thermosets (also called thermosets) after processing, d. H. in the ready-to-use state, of more or less strongly cross-linked macromolecules, which are generally neither fusible nor soluble.

From these semi-finished products, which are available as rolls or sheets in standard formats, blanks are produced in a cutting process, which usually line the formed component completely. When cutting the blanks, depending on the component geometry, a significant cutting waste is generated that can not be processed and significantly reduces the efficiency of this process.

To improve resource efficiency, continuous fiber-reinforced components can be produced substantially less waste or without wastage via processes that have become known as tape-laying methods. In particular, the use of tapes made of thermoplastic continuous fibers proves to be a very attractive process variant. Here, in particular, the laying of the usually present as a tape fiber composites for building a laminate is a particular challenge. With a "tape" in the context of the present invention is preferably any kind of sheet material, in particular a prepreg material, for example, a width between 30 and 200 mm, which is suitable for depositing by means of a tape-laying device. By "prepreg material" is meant herein in particular fiber yarns (rovings), fiber scrims and / or fiber webs, which are wetted with a binder and / or impregnated with a matrix, for example a thermoset matrix or thermoplastic matrix, partially or completely impregnated, in particular preimpregnated.

The "fibers" are, in particular, carbon fibers, but the term "fibers" likewise includes glass fibers or other fibers, in particular natural or man-made fibers.

The tape can be arranged on a carrier material, in particular a carrier film or a carrier paper, which dissolves during the laying down of the tape for building the laminate from the carrier material, wherein the carrier material by means of a suitable device of the tape laying device eliminated, for example, wound. However, it is also preferable to use tapes which no longer require carrier materials.

For the processing of tapes is known to deduct these from a spool or roll to cut to length and place on a laying table or already laid on the laying table tapestry. By laying down a tape strip or tapes, the tape is connected pointwise to the underlying tape layer via a number of ultrasonic welding heads.

For processing tapes and for carrying out a tape laying process, automatic devices are often used which are able to deposit a structured tape. Known are in particular so-called. Tapelegevorrichtungen, which in the present case, for example, a so-called. Fiber placement device is to be understood.

An exemplary tape-laying device is from the document WO 2014/083196 A1 which describes a tape laying apparatus configured with two laying head units. The laying head units are arranged so that they are accessible to a single laying table. The laying head units are independent of each other and each configured with its own material feed unit, cutting device, gripping means with associated linear drive, guideways and tape stitching unit. In this configuration, a belt section can be drawn to length, positioned in guideways and stapled in position with the first laying head unit on the part to be produced, while at the same time the length of the next belt section being positioned on the second laying head unit in the guideways. After the first band portion is tacked by the first laying head unit, the laying table conveys the part to be produced to the second laying head unit, during which the next band portion is prepared and positioned to be attached to the part to be produced.

The US 8,048,253 B2 also describes a tape laying apparatus with a laying head, wherein a tape tape material is fed to a cutting device which separates a tape strip which is then placed with the laying head on the working surface of a laying table. The tape tape material and the separated tape are guided in the laying head in each case in guide rails which are arranged on both sides of the tape or the tape, wherein the edges of the tape or of the tape in grooves provided in the guide rails, being held. The document also describes that several laying heads can be provided, so that it is possible to deposit several tapes or tapes at the same time.

In both of these known Tapelegevorrichtungen has the disadvantage that because of the only lateral guiding and holding the tapes by means of the guide rails to be processed tape tape material must have a sufficiently high internal stiffness, so that it does not happen that the tape tape sags and falls out of the guide rails. This may represent an undesirable limitation on processable materials, thicknesses and / or widths.

Also, because of the only relatively loose holding the tapes by means of the lateral guide rails, the cycle time can not be increased arbitrarily. This is because if the laying head is lowered too rapidly, and the tape accordingly has to be rapidly moved against the resistance of the surrounding air, the risk of the tape "blowing" and falling out of the guide rails will increase significantly can.

The document describes the laying of large-area fiber fabrics WO 2012/156524 A1 a method for transporting a cut out of a flat fiber fabric fiber contour in the course of the production of fiber-reinforced plastic moldings. A fiber contour is cut out on a cutting table. Subsequently, a suction gripper moves over the fiber contour and brings a transport plate into contact with the cut-out fiber contour. By means arranged on the transport plate suction devices, the fiber contour is fixed to the transport plate and lifted from the cutting table. The suction devices operate according to the Bernoulli principle, whereby air flows of the suction devices resulting from the compressed air supply are led away from the separating section of the fiber contour. The suction pad is attached to a manipulator such as an industrial robot. A similar principle of a suction gripper, which is used for receiving large-area fiber fabrics and is attached to an industrial robot, is also from the document DE 10 2013 208 778 A1 known, which describes a suction gripper in the form of a rod system arrangement of angularly crossed and parallelogram-like slidable rods. Suction grippers, which use a Coanda effect, are variably positionable on the grid structure.

These two documents describe large-sized suction cups that are not suitable for use in a tape-laying device, such as in the above-mentioned documents WO 2014/083196 A1 and US 8,048,253 B2 described, suitable. This in particular for the reason that these large-sized suction pads as Do not allow end-effectors on an industrial robot to move at a sufficient speed to meet the current and future requirements for a laying rate, even when laying narrow and narrowest tapes. In addition, there is the problem that must be expected to a rapid movement due to the high moving masses with a considerable use of energy, and thus high operating costs. Also, it is not possible to achieve a tact time of, for example, a second or shorter, with the suction pads a suction sufficiently fast and reliable turn on and, after dropping a tap, turn off again. Also, because of the size of suction grippers and industrial robots a parallelization of Tapelegens by providing two, three, four or more laying units not or only limited and possible with high construction costs with correspondingly high system costs.

The document DE 10 2014 114 866 A1 , which does not deal with the laying of tapes, describes a device for producing a multi-layer felt, wherein felt chips are blown into a mold and pressed into the desired shape. In the upper die, a plurality of vacuum suction ports are provided which are connected to a vacuum source to provide a vacuum. There is further provided a vacuum suction shut-off device to close at least some desired vacuum suction ports. The vacuum suction shut-off device is mounted above the upper mold and has a shut-off plate. By means of a rack and pinion drive, the shut-off plate can be moved to selectively move the shut-off plate across the plurality of vacuum-suction ports. In order to close all vacuum suction entrances, while the shutdown plate must be moved over a large distance, so that even here a quick shutdown is not possible. In addition, the shutdown plate or its movement only causes the connection between the vacuum suction ports and the vacuum source to be interrupted. The existing in the vacuum suction access vacuum can therefore be lifted only by the fact that air flows through the sucked felt chips in the vacuum suction ports until the vacuum is released. For this reason too, a rapid shutdown and cancellation of the suction effect generated by the vacuum with this device is not possible.

In the document DE 20 2010 014 946 U1 , which is also not concerned with the laying of tapes, a Saugbändertisch for a sheet-fed printing machine is described, with a plate body and at least one section guided over this plate body, circulating suction belt, the suction belt is provided with suction openings, on which lying on the suction belt bow areas sucked onto the suction belt and thus can be dragged with increased holding power. The suction device is provided with passage openings which form part of a suction path, via which the suction chamber communicates with the suction openings of the suction belt. Between the suction chamber and the suction belt, an adjusting device in the form of a perforated slide is provided in order to set the cross section of the suction path. For this purpose, the perforated slide on a plurality of rows of holes structured throttle openings of different cross-sections. By means of the adjustment so the prevailing suction to be precisely matched to the properties of the printing material. The adjustment should be designed so that always a sufficient suction is ensured and no temporary total shutdown of the suction occurs. A quick on and off the suction is therefore not provided in this document.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved tape laying apparatus which overcomes the above drawbacks.

In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved tape laying apparatus which allows for fast laying of components or component layers with a short cycle time.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide an improved tape laying apparatus which can be used flexibly and rapidly for efficiently depositing tape tape of varying widths.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an improved tape laying apparatus that can be used with low equipment costs and operating costs.

As a solution, there is provided a tape laying apparatus comprising: a material supply unit for feeding a tape tape material, a cutter for cutting a tape from the tape tape, a laying device for picking up and placing the separated tape on a lay table, and a control and / or control device for controlling and / or regulating the operation of the tape laying device, wherein the laying device comprises a flat transport element and a vacuum device, wherein the vacuum device can be activated and deactivated under the control and / or regulation of the control and / or regulating device, and wherein the Vacuum device is connected to the flat transport element, so that the tape can be held by means of the vacuum device generated negative pressure on a lower side of the flat transport element.

The flat transport element may preferably be designed as at least one circulating around deflection rollers, endless conveyor belt, preferably as two or more parallel, circulating around pulleys, endless conveyor belts.

Alternatively, the flat transport element may have a plate-shaped support surface, which is movable in and against the transport direction of the tapes.

By a flat transport element is provided which moves in the case of the execution of the flat transport element as an endlessly circulating conveyor belt, continuously in the transport direction of the tape tape material or tapes, or in the case of the execution of the flat transport element as a plate-shaped support surface moved in the transport direction of the tape tape or the tapes to accommodate the tape tape and tapes and move, it is possible to use the Tapelegevorrichtung tapes of different width and / or length to lay. In particular, it is also possible in this way, by means of the tape laying device to lay short and shortest tapes, in particular also angularly cut tapes. Since this in addition to a possible conversion of the material supply no significant reconfiguration of Tapelegevorrichtung is required, the Tapelegevorrichtung can be used versatile and efficient.

At the same time is achieved with the use of a flat transport element that the laying device can accommodate one or more tapes over a large area, the vacuum device also provided for a secure holding the tapes on the transport element provides. With this secure hold, it is possible to move the laying device very quickly, and thus to shorten the cycle time considerably, without this being to be feared that the tapes or lose their position. The tape laying device can therefore ensure high laying rates while maintaining high quality of laid components.

Preferably, the vacuum device comprises a vacuum chamber, a plurality of openings, a suction chamber and an adjustable closure element arranged between the vacuum chamber and the suction chamber, wherein the closure element has a plurality of passage openings, wherein in a first position of the closure element, the passage openings the openings of the vacuum chamber at least partially cover so that there is a fluid connection between the suction chamber and the vacuum chamber, and wherein in a second position of the closure member, the passage openings have no overlap with the openings of the vacuum chamber, so that the fluid communication between the suction chamber and the vacuum chamber is interrupted.

The vacuum chamber is in communication with a vacuum pump, which is preferably operated continuously to keep the vacuum chamber under a vacuum or under negative pressure. In particular, the negative pressure in the vacuum chamber can be controlled and / or regulated by the control and / or regulating device to a desired value of the negative pressure. The vacuum chamber may thus be considered as a large reservoir of vacuum, so that when the closure member is actuated to bring the passage openings of the closure member into complete registration with the openings of the vacuum chamber, by the resulting fluid communication between the vacuum chamber and the suction chamber, the much smaller compared to the vacuum chamber suction chamber can be emptied very quickly, so that also sets in the suction chamber in a very short time required for holding the tape vacuum. With this configuration, the time required to activate the vacuum device can be kept very small, which in turn allows a shortening of the cycle time and, consequently, an increase in the laying rate of the tape laying device.

In order to allow the suction chamber to be vacuumed as quickly as possible, the vacuum chamber and the suction chamber are preferably each sized so that a ratio of the volume of the vacuum chamber to the volume of the suction chamber is at least 5: 1, preferably 10: 1 or more and more preferably 15: 1 or more.

The closure element may be formed as a slide bar, and preferably the vacuum device further comprises a guide element for the slide bar, which is adapted to form a receptacle and guide for the slide bar, and wherein the suction chamber is formed in the guide member and partially bounded by this ,

Alternatively or additionally, it can preferably also be provided that the planar transport element delimits one side of the suction chamber, wherein a plurality of passage openings are formed in the planar transport element, through which air can be sucked into the suction chamber.

In this way, both a simple, inexpensive and reliable design can be achieved, as well as the closest possible arrangement of the flat transport element on which the tapes are to be held by means of negative pressure on the vacuum chamber can be enabled. The also serving to bridge the gap suction chamber can therefore have a very small volume, especially in comparison to the vacuum chamber, which also helps to build the vacuum very quickly and degrade can to activate the vacuum device or disable. With this measure, therefore, the required cycle time can be further shortened.

For adjusting the closure element, an actuator device may be provided, wherein the actuator device is controlled by the control and / or regulating device so that to activate the vacuum device to adjust the closure element in the first position, and for deactivating the vacuum device, the closure element in the second position to adjust. The actuator device can be designed in particular as an electromotive, preferably servo-motor linear drive, which allows a fast and precise movement and concomitant adjustment of the closure element.

Further, it is possible to provide a plurality of channels, via which the suction chamber is permanently connected to an environment and / or to a device for injecting a gas, preferably compressed air. The channels may be formed in particular in the guide element.

If the vacuum device is deactivated by the fluid communication between the suction chamber and the vacuum chamber is interrupted while still holding a tape on the flat transport element, thus preventing or substantially obstructing the flow of air from the outside into the suction chamber, the channels can Allow air to flow in from the environment so that the vacuum prevailing in the suction chamber is rapidly released and the held tape is released. This very rapid deactivation of the vacuum device also contributes to the significant shortening of the cycle time.

Since the channels can be very small, it is not necessary to close the channels during the active phase of the vacuum device; Rather, it is sufficient that the relatively small amount of air flowing through the channels during the active phase in the suction chamber to suck through the vacuum chamber and the vacuum chamber emptying the vacuum pump without the vacuum effect caused by the holding force is significantly impaired. This also contributes to a simple, effective and cost-effective design.

Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to connect the channels or at least part of the channels to a device for introducing a gas into the suction chamber. In the case of the interruption of the fluid communication between the vacuum chamber and the suction chamber by the closure element, the means for introducing a gas into the suction chamber can be activated and thus produce a slight overpressure for detaching the tape. The channels are thus not permanently open, whereby at a fluid connection between the vacuum chamber and the suction chamber no gas can flow into the suction chamber from the environment.

Alternatively, it would also be conceivable, especially for channels with larger openings to close the channels with a shutter mechanism during the active phase of the vacuum device and thus to prevent the entry of air into the suction chamber. In order to allow a reduction of the negative pressure in the suction chamber, when the closure member covers the openings to the vacuum chamber, the closure mechanism for the channels may be coupled to the closure member, so that when closing the openings to the vacuum chamber simultaneously the channels for reducing the negative pressure in the suction chamber be opened.

Particularly preferably, the channels can be dimensioned such that the plurality of channels in total have a cross section which is 1/5 or less, preferably 1/10 or less and particularly preferably 1/20 or less of a sum of the cross sections of the formed in the closure element Passage openings is.

With such a dimensioning can be ensured that even in active operation of the vacuum device through the channels incoming air are discharged safely and quickly without significant impact and prevailing in the suction chamber negative pressure can be maintained.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for a quick or again faster shutdown of the vacuum nozzles to deactivate the vacuum device targeted a gas, preferably compressed air, can be injected into the suction chamber, so that in particular briefly generates a slight overpressure in the suction chamber is what further supports the detachment of tapes from the flat transport element, in particular after placing and placing the tapes on the laying table. In this way, the cycle time can be shortened again.

In the tape laying device can also be provided that between the cutting device and the laying device at least one feeding device is arranged, which has a flat transport element, on the tapes separated from the cutting device in circulation on a Surface of the flat transport element can be added.

Preferably, the laying device further comprises at least one stapling device, which is set up to attach the tape placed by the laying device to a previously stored on the laying table stacking. In this case, provision may be made, in particular, for the control and / or regulating device to be set up in such a way that the activation of the stapling device for attaching the tapes and the deactivation of the vacuum device are simultaneously controlled.

Preferably, the control and / or regulating device is set up to activate the activation of the vacuum device immediately after lifting the laying device from the laying table. Immediately in the present sense, the meaning can be assigned that the vacuum device is then turned on when there is no contact between the laying unit and the tape to be deposited. The discarded tape will remain on the lay table or stick to an already laid-down tape structure, as this has been previously fixed there with the stapler unit.

In particular, a tape laying method can also be carried out with the aforementioned tape laying device. The tape laying method is characterized by the following method steps: feeding a tape tape material by means of a material feed unit; Separating a tape from the tape tape by means of a cutter; and picking up and placing the separated tape on a laying table by means of a laying device, wherein the laying device comprises a flat transport element and a vacuum device connected to the flat transport element, wherein the vacuum device is activated to receive the tape, so that the tape by means of negative pressure generated by the vacuum device is held on a lower side of the flat transport element, and wherein after placing the tape, the vacuum device is deactivated. It may preferably be provided that the flat transport element is designed as at least one circulating endless rollers, endless conveyor belt. Likewise, it can preferably be provided that the vacuum device has a vacuum chamber, a plurality of openings, a suction chamber and an adjustable closure element arranged between the vacuum chamber and the suction chamber, wherein the closure element has a plurality of passage openings, wherein the closure element preferably forms a slide rail is, wherein for activating the vacuum device, the closure element is adjusted to a first position in which the passage openings of the closure element at least partially cover the openings of the vacuum chamber so that there is a fluid connection between the suction chamber and the vacuum chamber, and wherein for deactivating the vacuum device the Closing element is adjusted to a second position in which the passage openings of the closure element have no overlap with the openings of the vacuum chamber, so that the fluid connection between the Saugkam mer and the vacuum chamber is interrupted. A preferred embodiment further comprises, after placing the tape, adhering the tape placed by the laying device to a stack previously deposited on the laying table by means of a stapling device, wherein the adhering of the tape preferably takes place simultaneously with the deactivation of the vacuum device. Alternatively it can be provided that a gas, preferably compressed air, is blown into the suction chamber via the channels and / or nozzles. This makes it possible to achieve that the negative pressure prevailing in the suction chamber is rapidly reduced and the laying down of the tapes on the laying table takes place rapidly and without adhesion problems on the laying device.

Further preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims. The invention will be described below with reference to the drawings with reference to exemplary embodiments.

Show it:

1 a tape laying device according to a preferred embodiment in a schematic cross-sectional view from the side;

2 the tape recorder of the 1 in a schematic plan view;

3 a schematic view in cross section of a vacuum device along the line AA of 1 ;

4A . 4B schematically partial views in longitudinal section of in 3 shown vacuum device, wherein 4A the vacuum device in an active state and 4B shows the vacuum device in a deactivated state.

In the 1 is a tape device 1 according to one embodiment shown in a schematic cross-sectional view. As in 1 is shown in the tape device 1 a tape tape material 2 For example, on a spool 12 is provided wound by means of a material supply unit 10 from the coil 12 unwound and one of the material feed unit 10 downstream cutting device 20 fed. To this end can the material supply unit 10 a pair of drive rollers 11 comprising a roller drive, also referred to as lack drive, form, for the transport of the tape tape material 2 provides. The drive rollers 11 are thereby driven by one or more motors (not shown) under the control of a control device (not shown), so that the tape tape material 2 at a desired speed and / or length into the cutter 20 "Pushed" and fed in such a way.

In the cutting device 20 becomes the tape tape material 2 by means of a cutting means, for example as a cutting blade 25 running, cut to remove from the tape tape material 2 individual tapes 5 to separate a desired length. The cutting knife 25 is angularly adjustable so that not only cuts across the tape direction of the tape tape material 2 can be performed, but by means of a corresponding adjustment of the cutting blade 25 at an angle of, for example, ± 45 ° relative to the transverse direction of the tape tape material 2 also tapes 5 can be cut off, which are cut in a corresponding desired angle.

After the tapes 5 such in the cutter 20 from the tape tape material 2 separated and singled, the tapes are 5 to a feeder 30 Pass the tapes 5 a laying device 40 feeds and passes to them.

The laying device 40 is over a lay table 50 arranged and can be in the vertical direction relative to the laying table 50 be moved so that the laying device 40 in each case at least one single tape 5 on the laying table 50 can place and place. For example, a linear guide (not shown) may be provided by means of which the laying device 40 in the vertical direction on the Legetisch 50 can be lowered to the tape 5 on a working surface of the laying table 50 , or one previously on the work surface of the Legetisches 50 trained tapestry structure, and if necessary, short and easy to press. After dropping the tape 5 becomes the laying device 40 raised again to a next tape 5 take. It should be noted here that for the purposes of this document, both the placement and removal of one or more tapes 5 on the working surface of the laying table 50 , as well as the deposition of one or more tapes 5 on already before on the Legetisch 50 discarded tapes 5 , in particular on a previously formed stacking layer, as placing and depositing the tape 5 on the laying table 50 to be understood.

To lower the laying device 40 to allow in the embodiment of the 1 be provided that the feeding device 30 also and together with the laying device 40 vertically lowered and raised. This can be done in particular by the fact that the feed device 30 and the laying device 40 to one as laying head 7 unit as described below with reference to the 2 explained in more detail, and the laying head 7 as a whole is moved vertically to a tape 5 store. Alternatively, it is also conceivable, the laying head 7 or the laying device 40 form stationary, and the laying table 50 liftable, so that the filing of the tapes 5 the laying table 50 is raised. Incidentally, it is preferable that the laying table 50 can be rotated about a vertical axis under the control of a controller (not shown) and / or moved horizontally in the x and / or y directions to achieve a desired relative positioning of the tape 5 relative to the laying table 50 to enable.

To increase the laying rate, it is provided in particular that several tapes 5 be simultaneously, that is, in particular at the same time and multi-track handled, with such a parallelization advantageous the number of tapes laid 5 multiplied accordingly per sequence. Accordingly, in the tape laying device 1 this embodiment, as in the plan view in 2 shown, preferably provided that the corresponding units are provided in accordance with multiple execution. So, as in 2 shown, two coils each 12 . 12a be provided, of which by means of two material supply units 10 . 10a with a total of two pairs of drive rollers 11 . 11a two strands of a tape tape material 2 deducted and to two respective cutting devices 20 . 20a be fed where by means of two cutting blades 25 . 25a two respective tapes 5 . 5a separated and by means of two feeders 30 . 30a to two laying devices 40 . 40a be supplied. By means of the two laying devices 40 . 40a can thus have two tapes 5 . 5a at the same time on the laying table 50 be placed and filed.

Like in the 2 indicated, the material supply unit 10a , the cutting device 20a , the feeder 30a and the laying device 40a or the material supply unit 10 , the cutting device 20 , the feeder 30 and the laying device 40 each in a laying head 7 respectively. 7a be summarized. However, this is not limiting, it is also possible for us to have a laying head 7 . 7a , only the laying device 40 . 40a , or next to the laying device 40 . 40a also the feeder 30 . 30a and optionally the cutting device 20 . 20a includes.

It may also be provided that, as is known, during the deposition of tapes 5 . 5a previously deposited tapes 5 . 5a For example, by means of ultrasound devices or other stapling devices provided for this purpose, they can be attached to the underlying stacking layer (s), for example by plasticizing, or at least partially consolidated with the underlying stacking layer (s) to form a laminate. This procedure can be repeated for each additional stacking. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to tapes 5 . 5a Immediately after being on the laying table 50 be stored and placed at or stack the underlying stacking, for example by staplers, in particular ultrasound devices in the laying devices 40 . 40a are provided. The first layer of tapes 5 . 5a , which on the Legetisch 50 is stored is held on the surface by means of a vacuum device which the tapes 5 . 5a sucked on the surface of the Legetisches.

As in the 1 and 2 shown are the laying device 40 . 40a , the feeder 30 . 30a and the cutter 20 . 20a preferred with conveyor belts 21 . 21a . 31 . 31a . 41 . 41a executed, the respective pulleys 32 . 42 circulating endlessly. In the feeder 30 . 30a while doing the tapes 5 . 5a lying, that is, on an upper side of the feeding device 30 . 30a on the conveyor belt 31 . 31a transported overhead. On the other hand, the individual tapes 5 . 5a in the laying facility 40 . 40a each transported "hanging". For this purpose, the laying device 40 . 40a with a vacuum device 45 provided, their structure and operation with respect to 3 . 4A and 4B will be described in more detail.

The vacuum device 45 is like that with the conveyor belt 41 the laying device 40 connected by the conveyor belt 41 Through this, air can be sucked in and thus a negative pressure can be built up, for example by a multiplicity of passage openings 71 in the conveyor belt 41 are provided, through which the air can be sucked. Alternatively, a conveyor belt can be used 41 can be used, such as from a fabric material, so that the mesh of the fabric material, the passage openings 71 represent. To be with the laying device 40 a tape 5 from the feeder 30 First, the vacuum device 45 activated. Due to the resulting negative pressure can be on the conveyor belt 31 the feeding device 30 overlying, the laying device 40 supplied tape 5 sucked in and off the conveyor belt 31 be lifted off, leaving it on the bottom of the laying facility 40 on the conveyor belt 41 is held contiguous. By a corresponding movement of the conveyor belt 41 the laying device 40 will the tape 5 in a corresponding depositing position above the laying table 50 positioned.

For subsequent storage and placement of the tape 5 on the laying table 50 becomes the laying device 40 , with continued vacuum activated, lowered until the tape 5 in contact with the laying table 50 , or with previously on the Legetisch 50 deposited stacking is brought. In this way it can be ensured that the tape 5 does not lose its desired position and high precision of the laying process can be achieved.

Once the tape 5 with the laying table 50 or with the previously on the Legetisch 50 deposited staple layers in contact, the stapling devices, for example in the form of ultrasonic welding units, are preferably activated and staple the tape 5 to the underlying stacking layer (s).

In the lowered position of the laying device 40 , with the tapes 5 in contact with the laying table 50 or with the previously on the Legetisch 50 filed stacking, then the vacuum is switched off. This may be preferred simultaneously with the attachment of the tape 5 happen. By switching off the vacuum, the holding force generated by the vacuum, which is the tape 5 on the conveyor belt 41 the laying device 40 stops, shut off and the laying device 40 can now be lifted back up and moved back to the starting position, without that it would be feared that further holding forces on the tape 5 could act, which could cause the adhesive points to dissolve again and / or that in the tapes 5 Longitudinal cracks in the fiber direction could occur.

In the initial position is the laying unit 40 again so relative to the feeder 30 positioned that next tape 5 can be included.

In order to enable laying with the highest possible laying rate, it is important that the cycle time that is as short as possible is achieved, the cycle time being the duration of one tap recording 5 with the laying device 40 , Placing and placing the tape 5 on the laying table 50 , Lifting the laying device 40 from the laying table 50 and moving back the laying device 40 to the starting position to record a next tap 5 designated. In particular, cycle times of less than 1 second, and in many applications, cycle times of 0.3 to 0.8 seconds can be achieved with the present invention.

In order to be able to achieve such short cycle times, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the laying device is proposed 40 with a vacuum device 45 as in 3 equipped equip.

The 3 shows an embodiment of a vacuum device 45 in cross section along the line AA in 1 , As in 3 shown has the vacuum device 45 a vacuum chamber 62 on, passing through a wall 61 is limited and defined. The vacuum chamber 62 is connected to a vacuum pump (not shown), which preferably continuously air from the vacuum chamber 62 sucks so that in the vacuum chamber 62 a permanent vacuum prevails. It should be noted that herein the term vacuum is not used in the sense of an ideal, complete vacuum, which would correspond to a complete absence of air or other gases. Rather, the term vacuum is used herein in the sense of negative pressure, which in particular is sufficiently pronounced in order to be able to safely comply with a desired and / or required minimum holding force. The difference between the generated negative pressure relative to the environment can be in the range of a few 10 mbar, preferably between 20 and 100 mbar, particularly preferably between 30 and 60 mbar.

Like in the 3 is shown in the wall 61 the vacuum chamber 62 at least one opening 63 formed, via which the vacuum chamber 62 in conjunction with another chamber, the sake of better distinguishability as a suction chamber 67 should be designated. The suction chamber 67 is in a guide element 65 formed as a closure element. It is still a slide bar 64 provided, which in the region of the at least one opening 63 the vacuum chamber 62 between the wall 61 and the guide element 66 is arranged.

The slide bar 64 is in a longitudinal direction, which extends along the laying device 40 or vacuum device 45 in the direction of the transport direction 60 gives, the vacuum device 45 or in the longitudinal direction of the laying device 40 adjustable, as in 4A and 4B is shown in more detail.

The 4A and 4B each show schematically the vacuum device 45 in a sectional longitudinal section, wherein the 4A the vacuum device 45 in a state showing in which the vacuum device 45 is activated, and the 4B the vacuum device 45 in a state showing in which the vacuum device 45 is disabled.

In the 4A is the slide bar 64 , whose adjustability is indicated in the longitudinal direction by the double arrow, positioned so that in the slide bar 64 provided passage openings 65 each with the openings 63 the vacuum chamber 62 are aligned and cover them. In this position, the suction chamber is 67 thus in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber 62 , so due to the in the vacuum chamber 62 prevailing vacuum or negative pressure and a corresponding negative pressure in the suction chamber 67 established.

On the, the vacuum chamber 62 opposite side of the guide element 66 runs the conveyor belt 41 in contact with the guide element 66 and limits the suction chamber on this side 67 , In the conveyor belt 41 is a variety of passages 71 intended. Because of in the suction chamber 67 prevailing negative pressure so creates a Luftsog through the passages 71 in the suction chamber 67 into it. The in the suction chamber 67 incoming air is passing through the ports 65 in the vacuum chamber 62 sucked and sucked out of this by the vacuum pump (not shown). In this way, generated by the passage openings 71 air flowing in on the conveyor belt 41 is a suction effect, by means of which one or more tapes 5 (in 4A not shown) to the conveyor belt 41 be sucked and held on this, at the same time the passages 71 of the conveyor belt 41 from the tapes 5 covered and thus essentially closed.

To the vacuum device 45 to disable, as in 4B shown the slider bar 64 longitudinally adjusted so that the passage openings 65 no longer in register with the openings 63 are. The slide bar 64 thus interrupts the fluid connection between the suction chamber 67 and the vacuum chamber 62 , To hold while holding the tape 5 (in 4B not shown) in the suction chamber 67 continue to reduce remaining vacuum or the still remaining negative pressure as quickly as possible, it is preferably provided that in the guide element 66 a variety of channels 68 are formed, which may be permanently open or by means of a shutter mechanism in the active state at the vacuum chamber 62 open openings 63 can be closed. In the state of 4B flows now, with closed openings 63 , Air from outside through the channels 68 in the suction chamber 67 a, so that there still prevailing vacuum or the still prevailing negative pressure is rapidly reduced. A tape 5 (in 4B not shown), which still on the conveyor belt 41 is therefore no longer from the vacuum device 45 held.

The slide bar 64 and the guide element 66 with the suction chamber formed therein 67 and the preferably provided channels 68 represents in this way a shut-off, in the immediate vicinity of the conveyor belt 41 is arranged.

For such a shutdown of the vacuum may optionally be further provided to integrate additional nozzles for a gas, preferably compressed air, with which, in particular at the beginning of lifting the laying device 40 briefly a gas, preferably compressed air, in the suction chamber 67 injected and a slight overpressure in the suction chamber 67 can be generated.

With reference back to the 1 and 2 is it in the tape device 1 further particularly advantageous if a side edge of the conveyor belt 21 . 21a serves as a leading edge, in particular with a same side edge of the tape tape material 2 and / or the tapes 5 . 5a is aligned. This can for example be supported by the fact that on this side edge of the conveyor belt 21 . 21a a side baffle (not shown) is arranged, which serves as a stop and guide for the tape tape material 2 , or for tapes separated from it 5 . 5a serves. In this way, can always be consistent, unchanged in position and well-defined position of this side edge of the tape tape material 2 or the tapes 5 . 5a relative to the conveyor belt 21 . 21a be ensured. Accordingly, different widths of the tape tape material affect 2 or the tapes separated from it 5 . 5a only on the position of the opposite side edge, which position starting from the leading edge and by the known width of the tape tape material 5 or the tapes 5 . 5a is defined. In this way it is possible, even when using tape tape materials 2 different width each well-defined and accurate positioning of the tapes 5 . 5a on the conveyor belt 21 . 21a , and consequently also in the feeder 30 . 30a and the laying device 40 . 40a to achieve a high laying precision.

Incidentally, additionally or alternatively, also for the feeding devices 30 . 30a and / or the laying equipment 40 . 40a be provided that a side edge of the conveyor belts 31 . 31a and or 41 . 41a serves as a leading edge, in particular with a same side edge of the tape tape material 2 or the tapes 5 . 5a is aligned.

While in the above description, the cutting devices 20 . 20a , the feeding devices 30 . 30a and the laying equipment 40 . 40a each with a pulleys around 22 . 32 . 42 circulating, endless conveyor belt 21 . 21a . 31 . 31a . 41 . 41a are executed, this is not limiting. Rather, each of these facilities can also be equipped with multiple conveyor belts 21 . 21a . 31 . 31a . 41 . 41a be provided, which run side by side and to common or separate pulleys 22 . 32 . 42 are guided. This can be particularly advantageous for the laying devices 40 and 40a be provided, wherein for each laying device 40 . 40a two or more endless, parallel conveyor belts 41 . 41a may be provided, which are arranged at a distance from each other. Between the conveyor belts 41 . 41a can in the respective laying device 40a . 40b a plurality of ultrasonic welding heads may be arranged so that with a respective laying device 40 . 40a both the deposition of one or more tapes 5 . 5a as well as the pointwise connection with the underlying layer of tape can be made. It is also possible, the conveyor belts 21 . 21a . 31 . 31a . 41 . 41a to be replaced by other types of flat transport elements. So, for example, in place of these conveyor belts 21 . 21a . 31 . 31a . 41 . 41a in each case a flat, in particular plate-shaped transport element be provided, with a plate-shaped bearing surface, in and against the transport direction 60 of the tape tape material 2 or the tapes 5 . 5a is movable. By way of example, the planar transport element can be embodied as a metal plate, a plastic plate, a metal plate or plastic plate coated or coated with a plastic or another material, which is supported and guided by means of a linear guide, and which is parallel to the transport direction by means of a travel drive 60 of the tape tape material 2 or the tapes 5 . 5a can be moved back and forth. The tape tape material 2 and / or the severed tapes 5 . 5a come here on the bearing surface formed by the surface of the plate-shaped transport element for storage. The plate-shaped transport element may in particular also be provided with the vacuum device. For the laying equipment 40 . 40a can in turn also be provided ultrasonic welding devices, which can be introduced through corresponding openings in the plate-shaped transport element.

Optionally, it is also possible for the cutting device 20 . 20a and / or the feeding devices 30 . 30a each a vacuum device according to the in 3 and 4A and 4B shown vacuum device 45 provided. This is exemplary in the 1 shown, which the feeding device 30 with a corresponding vacuum device 35 shows. By doing so also for the cutting device 20 . 20a and / or the feeding devices 30 . 30a a holding the tape tape material 2 or the tapes separated from it 5 . 5a is provided, it can be achieved that due to the increased precision and safety, especially the location of the tape tape material 2 or the tapes 5 . 5a , a more precise and higher quality manufacturing of components is ensured.

Furthermore, it is also possible to use the first cutting device 20 and the first feeding device 30 form integrally as a unit, and / or the second cutter 20a and the second feeding device 30a integrally form as a unit. Conversely, between the first cutter 20 and the first laying unit 40 and / or between the second cutter 20a and the second laying unit 40a in each case a plurality of feed devices 30 . 30a provided.

Finally, it is also possible to have more than two laying units 40 . 40a provide, and in particular more than two in the transverse direction, which preferably transverse to the transport direction 60 runs, movable laying units 40 . 40a to provide, each with associated cutting devices 20 . 20a and feeding devices 30 . 30a , In this way, it may be possible, the Legerate and the flexibility of Tapelegevorrichtung 1 continue to increase.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Tape laying device

2

 Tape-strip material

5, 5a

 Tape

7, 7a

laying head

10, 10a

 Material feed unit

11, 11a

 drive rollers

12, 12a

 Kitchen sink

20, 20a

 cutter

21, 21a

 conveyor belt

22

 guide rollers

25

 cutting blade

30, 30a

 feeder

31, 31a

 conveyor belt

32

 guide rollers

33

 Sharps container

35

 vacuum equipment

40, 40a

 securing device

41, 41a

 conveyor belt

42

 guide rollers

45

 vacuum equipment

50

 Legetisch

60

 transport direction

61

 wall

62

 vacuum chamber

63

 opening

64

 slide bar

65

 Port

66

 guide element

67

 suction chamber

68

 channel

71

 Through opening

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 [0013, 0018]
• US Pat. No. 8048253 B2 [0014, 0018]
• WO 2012/156524 A1 [0017]
• DE 102013208778 A1 [0017]
• DE 102014114866 A1 [0019]
• DE 202010014946 U1 [0020]

Claims (15)

Tape laying device ( 1 ), comprising: a material supply unit ( 10 . 10a ) for feeding a tape tape material ( 2 ), a cutting device ( 20 . 20a ) for separating a tape ( 5 . 5a ) of the tape tape material ( 2 ), a laying device ( 40 . 40a ) for picking up and placing the separated tape ( 5 . 5a ) on a laying table ( 50 ), and a control and / or regulating device for controlling and / or regulating the operation of the tape-laying device, characterized in that the laying device ( 40 . 40a ) a flat transport element and a vacuum device ( 45 ), wherein the vacuum device ( 45 ) can be activated and deactivated under control and / or regulation of the control and / or regulating device, and wherein the vacuum device ( 45 ) is so connected to the flat transport element, so that the tape ( 5 . 5a ) by means of the vacuum device ( 45 ) generated negative pressure on a lower side of the flat transport element can be kept. Tape laying device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flat transport element as at least one to deflection rollers ( 42 ) revolving, endless conveyor belt ( 41 . 41a ) is executed or that the flat transport element has a plate-shaped bearing surface, in and against the transport direction ( 60 ) of tapes ( 5 . 5a ) is movable. Tape laying device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flat transport element as two or more parallel to pulleys ( 42 ) circulating, endless conveyor belts ( 41 . 41a ) is executed. Tape laying device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the vacuum device ( 45 ) a vacuum chamber ( 62 ), a plurality of openings ( 63 ), a suction chamber ( 67 ) and one between the vacuum chamber ( 62 ) and the suction chamber ( 67 ), the closure element having a plurality of passage openings ( 65 ), wherein in a first position of the closure element, the passage openings ( 65 ) the openings ( 63 ) of the vacuum chamber ( 62 ) at least partially cover, so that a fluid connection between the suction chamber ( 67 ) and the vacuum chamber ( 62 ), and wherein in a second position of the closure element, the passage openings ( 65 ) no overlap with the openings ( 63 ) of the vacuum chamber ( 62 ), so that the fluid connection between the suction chamber ( 67 ) and the vacuum chamber ( 62 ) is interrupted. Tape laying device ( 1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the closure element as a slide bar ( 64 ) is trained. Tape laying device ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the vacuum device ( 45 ) further a guide element ( 66 ), which is set up, a receptacle and guide for the slide bar ( 64 ), and wherein the suction chamber ( 67 ) in the slide rail guide element ( 66 ) is formed and partially limited by this. Tape laying device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that further an actuator device for adjusting the closure element is provided, wherein the actuator device is controlled by the control and / or regulating device so as to activate the vacuum device ( 45 ) to adjust the closure element to the first position, and to deactivate the vacuum device ( 45 ) Adjust the closure element in the second position. Tape laying device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that a ratio of the volume of the vacuum chamber ( 62 ) to the volume of the suction chamber ( 67 ) is at least 5: 1, preferably 10: 1 or more and more preferably 15: 1 or more. Tape laying device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the flat transport element one side of the suction chamber ( 67 ), wherein in the flat transport element a plurality of passage openings ( 71 ) are formed by the air in the suction chamber ( 67 ) and / or that a plurality of channels ( 68 ) is provided, via which the suction chamber ( 67 ) is permanently connected to an environment and / or to a device for injecting a gas, preferably compressed air. Tape laying device ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the plurality of channels ( 68 ) in sum have a cross section which is 1/5 or less, preferably 1/10 or less, and more preferably 1/20 or less of a sum of the cross sections of the passage openings formed in the closure member. Tape laying device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that nozzles for injecting a gas into the suction chamber ( 67 ), preferably compressed air, are arranged. Tape laying device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that between the cutting device ( 20 . 20a ) and the laying device ( 40 . 40a ) at least one Feeding device ( 30 . 30a ) is arranged, which has a flat transport element, on which of the cutting device ( 20 . 20a ) separated tapes ( 5 . 5a ) can be received in rest on a surface of the flat transport element. Tape laying device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the laying device ( 40 . 40a ) further comprises at least one stapling device, which is set up by the laying device ( 40 . 40a ) placed tapes ( 5 . 5a ) on a previously laid table ( 50 ) to tack down the stacked pile. Tape laying device ( 1 ) according to claim 13, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device is set up, the activation of the stapling device for attaching the tapes ( 5 . 5a ) and the deactivation of the vacuum device ( 45 ) at the same time. Tape laying device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device is set up, the activation of the vacuum device immediately after the lifting of the laying device ( 40 ) from the laying table ( 50 ) head for.

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