EP2536874B1 - Process for using a braiding machine with reinforcing fibres - Google Patents

Process for using a braiding machine with reinforcing fibres Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2536874B1
EP2536874B1 EP11705810.7A EP11705810A EP2536874B1 EP 2536874 B1 EP2536874 B1 EP 2536874B1 EP 11705810 A EP11705810 A EP 11705810A EP 2536874 B1 EP2536874 B1 EP 2536874B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mandrel
hub
ring
reinforcing fibers
rod
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EP11705810.7A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2536874A2 (en
Inventor
Richard Masson
Romain Boudier
Jean-Pierre Mattei
Victor Bras Pereira
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Safran Landing Systems SAS
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Safran Landing Systems SAS
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04C—BRAIDING OR MANUFACTURE OF LACE, INCLUDING BOBBIN-NET OR CARBONISED LACE; BRAIDING MACHINES; BRAID; LACE
    • D04C3/00—Braiding or lacing machines
    • D04C3/40—Braiding or lacing machines for making tubular braids by circulating strand supplies around braiding centre at equal distances
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04C—BRAIDING OR MANUFACTURE OF LACE, INCLUDING BOBBIN-NET OR CARBONISED LACE; BRAIDING MACHINES; BRAID; LACE
    • D04C3/00—Braiding or lacing machines
    • D04C3/48—Auxiliary devices
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04C—BRAIDING OR MANUFACTURE OF LACE, INCLUDING BOBBIN-NET OR CARBONISED LACE; BRAIDING MACHINES; BRAID; LACE
    • D04C1/00—Braid or lace, e.g. pillow-lace; Processes for the manufacture thereof
    • D04C1/02—Braid or lace, e.g. pillow-lace; Processes for the manufacture thereof made from particular materials
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
    • D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
    • D10B2505/00—Industrial
    • D10B2505/02—Reinforcing materials; Prepregs

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method of operating a braiding machine comprising a ring carrying coils of reinforcing fibers for successively braiding several layers of reinforcing fibers, around the same mandrel moved several times through the ring, or around several mandrels moved one after the other through this ring.
  • a relevant process is described in the document EP 0 285 156 A2 .
  • a braiding machine makes it possible to manufacture a piece of composite material by braiding around a mandrel and over its entire length, one or more reinforcing fiber layers superimposed on each other.
  • the assembly consisting of the mandrel and the layers it carries is placed in a mold for injecting resin into these layers.
  • This resin is then polymerized, for example by heating, to form a rigid blank.
  • Such a braiding machine which is represented in figure 1 1, essentially comprises a ring 2 extending in a vertical plane, the axis of revolution AX of this ring thus being horizontal.
  • This ring 2 carries a set of coils of reinforcing fibers 3, which converge towards a point or a region located on the axis AX being located in front of the plane of the ring.
  • These fibers thus together define a generally conical shape.
  • the mandrel which is marked by 4 is moved along the axis AX to cross the ring 2 beyond the point of convergence of the fibers.
  • the coils carried on the ring 2 by motorized mobile supports are actuated, for manufacture a sock of reinforcing fibers on the outer face of this mandrel 4.
  • This sock covers the mandrel over its entire length once it has completely passed through the ring, that is to say once it is located beyond the point of convergence of the fibers which is itself offset by report to the ring.
  • the reinforcing fiber layer is then cut downstream of the mandrel, and the mandrel is disassembled and then placed behind the ring, in order to cross it again for the formation of a second layer of reinforcing fibers radially superimposed on the first.
  • the mandrel has its downstream end rigidly secured to a rear rod and its upstream end rigidly secured to a front rod by which it is pulled to be moved through the ring.
  • the mandrel may for this purpose comprise at each of its ends a threaded hole, each rod then having a corresponding threaded end which is screwed into this threaded hole.
  • the braided fiber layer surrounds the front shank and is formed around the mandrel as it progresses along the axis AX being pulled by that shank.
  • the reinforcing fiber braid can then be cut between the mandrel and the region where it is traversed by the rope. After this step, the front rod is unscrewed from the front end of the mandrel, and the mandrel is unscrewed from the front end of the rear rod, for be extracted with the layer of reinforcing fibers it carries.
  • the mandrel with the fiber layer is then reinstalled behind the ring.
  • the rear end of the rod which passes through the ring is then screwed into the front end of the mandrel, and this rod which was in the previous step the rear rod then becomes the front rod.
  • Another rod is screwed to the rear end of the mandrel.
  • These rods which are secured to the mandrel are also maintained in position on the axis AX by means of several bearings spaced apart from each other along the axis AX.
  • the object of the invention is to propose a solution to remedy this drawback.
  • the fibers can be held perfectly centered on the axis of the ring during removal of a mandrel.
  • the manufacturing cost is then reduced since it is no longer necessary to actuate the braiding machine to refocus the braid prior to the installation of a new mandrel.
  • the invention also relates to a method as defined above, wherein a hub is used comprising at least one circumferential groove forming an impression in which is housed the fastening link reinforcing fibers.
  • the invention also relates to a method as defined above, in which a hub having an at least partially conical shape is used.
  • the invention also relates to a method as defined above, in which a hub having a biconical shape is used.
  • the invention also relates to a method as defined above, wherein the hub has ends of different sections corresponding to the sections of a mandrel mounted upstream of the hub and a mandrel mounted downstream of the hub.
  • the invention also relates to a method as defined above, in which the support of the mandrel and the hub is formed by one or more rods extending along the axis while being carried by at least two bearings located on both sides. other of the ring.
  • the idea underlying the invention is to mount a hub on the axis AX downstream of the mandrel, and to use this hub to maintain the convergence zone of the reinforcing fibers centered on the axis AX during removal of the mandrel. Specifically, once the fiber layer has been braided over the entire length of the mandrel, a link or collar is passed and tightened around the fibers to grip against the hub to maintain the convergence zone of these fibers centered on the AX axis.
  • the hub which is represented alone in figure 2 by being marked there by 5 has a general shape of revolution around the axis AX. Its outer surface is here generally conical, and it has two circumferential grooves 8 and 9 spaced apart from each other along the axis AX.
  • Each groove 8, 9 constitutes a housing for receiving a link enclosing the hub with the fibers surrounding this hub, so that this link can not slide along the outer surface 7, when it is sufficiently tight, so that to validly maintain in position the fiber convergence zone.
  • the reinforcing fibers 3 extend together in a conical shape, the vertex on the axis AX corresponding to their convergence zone.
  • the hub 5 is located at this zone along the axis AX, it is surrounded by the reinforcing fibers which are then supported on its outer face.
  • the figure 3 shows more particularly a braiding installation 1 at the beginning of a braiding operation.
  • This installation comprises a ring 2 carrying a series of coils of reinforcing fibers 3, a support 12 carrying a mandrel 13 and a first hub 5 and a second hub 6 to form an assembly extending along the axis AX.
  • the first hub 5 is located beyond the front end of the mandrel 13, namely the end of the mandrel which is farthest from the ring 2, to the right in the figure.
  • the second hub 6 is in turn located in the extension of the rear end of the mandrel 13.
  • the reinforcing fibers 3 are all clamped around the hub 5, by the link 11, and the mandrel 13 is located in the internal space delimited by the conical surface formed by the reinforcing fibers 3, for the braiding of a fiber sock reinforcing around this mandrel and over its entire length.
  • the support 12 may be constituted by four rods 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d.
  • each rod has its two threaded ends, and each end of the mandrel 13 and the one and the other of the hubs 5 and 6 has a threaded hole in which is screwed a rod end.
  • the assembly of the rods with the mandrel 13 and the hubs 5 and 6 consists of screwing one end of the rod 12a to the front end of the hub 5, to screw the end before the rod 12b at the rear end of the hub 5, to screw the rear end of the rod 12b to the front end of the mandrel 13.
  • the front end of the rod 12c is screwed to the rear end of the mandrel 13
  • the rear end of the rod 12c is screwed to the front end of the hub 6, and finally, the front end of the rod 12d is screwed to the rear end of the hub 13.
  • the assembly constituted by the mandrel 13, the two hubs 5, 6, and the rods 12a-12c constitutes a rigid whole held in position on the axis AX, on the one hand by a first not shown rear bearing which is located in rear of the ring 2, that is to say to the left of the ring in the figure, and secondly by a not shown traction means which is secured to the front end of the rod 12a.
  • This bearing comprises a fixed frame, possibly removable, comprising in its upper part members arranged to receive a rod to maintain it positioned on the axis AX, while blocking at least in rotation and optionally in translation.
  • the traction means similarly comprises members receiving the rod by maintaining it positioned on the axis AX, with translation and rotation locking elements for pulling this rod along the axis AX.
  • the braiding operation is started by moving the rigid assembly constituted by the support 12 with the mandrel 13 and the hubs 5 and 6 forwards, that is to say to the right on the figure 3 , by requesting the traction means not shown.
  • a sock then braids around the mandrel at the point of convergence of the fibers, as the mandrel is moved, as schematically illustrated in FIG. figure 4 where about half of the sock was braided, the point of convergence of reinforcing fibers then being located substantially mid-length of the mandrel.
  • the layer of reinforcing fibers is formed over the entire length of the mandrel 13, until the second hub 6 is at the level of the fiber convergence zone. which corresponds to the situation of the figure 5 .
  • the installation is then stopped, and a link or collar 14 is passed around the second mandrel 6 to maintain the reinforcing fibers in position at their convergence zone.
  • the braided reinforcing fiber layer 16 is cut on the one hand between the front end of the mandrel 13 and the first hub 5, and on the other hand between the rear end of the mandrel 13 and the second hub. 6. These cuts are provided by means of cutting tools such as scissors or the like.
  • a second rear bearing is advantageously installed temporarily behind the ring 2, in addition to the first rear bearing and being spaced therefrom along the axis AX, so as to keep the rod 12d completely in position on the AX axis.
  • This rod 12d being the one that carries the second hub 6, its holding by the two rear bearings is sufficient to maintain the position of the fiber convergence zone 3 on the axis AX, without radial offset.
  • the rod 12a is uncoupled from the not shown traction means, so that the assembly formed by the rod 12c, the mandrel 13 with the layer that it carries, as well as the rods 12b and 12a can be separated from the second hub 6 by unscrewing the rear end of the rod 12c which is screwed into the front end of this hub 6.
  • the rod 12a can then be dismounted by unscrewing it from the front end of the first hub 5. After this, this rod 12a is firstly screwed into the front end of the second hub 6, and it is on the other hand again coupled to the traction means not shown.
  • one or two additional front bearings are advantageously temporarily installed to maintain this rod 12a coaxial with the axis AX.
  • the rod 12d is dismounted by unscrewing it from the rear end of the second hub 6, this second hub 6 then being held by the front rod 12a which is itself carried by the traction means and the front bearings temporarily installed.
  • the first hub 5 is then unscrewed from the front end of the rod 12b and screwed into the rear end of the rod 12c.
  • the assembly formed successively by the first hub 5, the rod 12c, the mandrel 13, and the rod 12b is then installed by screwing the front end of the rod 12b into the rear end of the second hub 6, then screwing the front end of the rod 12d into the rear end of the first hub 5.
  • the braiding of a new layer of reinforcing fibers superimposed on the first can then begin, after removing the front and rear bearings that have possibly been installed temporarily.
  • different layers are braided on the mandrel, until reaching a predetermined thickness.
  • the hubs 5 and 6 are separated from the mandrel 13 by a relatively large distance, but this distance can advantageously be reduced, which reduces the length of reinforcing fibers required for each layer, and thereby the cost of manufacture.
  • the distance separating each hub of the mandrel can be reduced to a minimum value d which corresponds substantially to the minimum space required for the passage of the cutting tool of the reinforcing fiber layer.
  • the hub 5 comprises two grooves making it possible to grip the reinforcing fibers in two corresponding links or collars, but a solution comprising a single groove may also be satisfactory, the choice of the number of grooves and collars or of links being conditioned essentially by the manufacturing conditions.
  • the outer shape of the hub 5 is also chosen according to the manufacturing conditions.
  • the hub which is marked by 18 is interposed between two consecutive mandrels 13 and 17 having different diameters, and which are mounted one after the other on the support.
  • the hub 18 has a biconical shape, and has at its end 19 closest to the mandrel 13 a section corresponding to that of the mandrel 13, and at its end 21 closest to the mandrel 17 a section corresponding to the section of this mandrel 17.
  • the outer surface of the hub 18 connects the contours of these two sections, while defining in its central region a throat 23 constituting a groove for receiving a link for attaching the reinforcing fibers of the braided layer 22.
  • the diameter of the end 19 is substantially smaller than the diameter of the mandrel 13, and conversely, the diameter of the end 21 is substantially greater than the diameter of the mandrel 17, so as to spread the braid to facilitate the mounting of the mandrel 17 between the two braiding operations.
  • This hub makes it possible to ensure continuity of the braided layer 22 between the first mandrel 13 and the second mandrel 17, so that the orientation of the fibers is not disturbed by the transition from one mandrel to the other.
  • the hub 18 is separated from each of the mandrels 13 and 17 by a distance d which corresponds to the minimum space for the passage of a cutting tool of the reinforcing fiber layer.
  • the hub has a biconical shape that is asymmetrical.
  • a hub having a biconic shape symmetrical with respect to its center could be adapted to certain cases of manufacture, especially when braiding layers of reinforcing fibers around different mandrels of the same diameters.
  • the mandrels have simple shapes of revolution, as well as the hubs, but the invention also applies to situations in which the mandrel or mandrels have any sections, such as for example rectangular sections. in which case the hub (s) used also have any sections corresponding to those of the mandrels.
  • each support rod and each mandrel or hub is then provided with a transverse key passing through the end of the element in question and the rod so as to prohibit any rotation of each element relative to the rod.

Description

L'invention concerne un procédé d'exploitation d'une machine de tressage comportant un anneau portant des bobines de fibres renforçantes pour tresser successivement plusieurs couches de fibres renforçantes, autour d'un même mandrin déplacé plusieurs fois à travers l'anneau, ou autour de plusieurs mandrins déplacés l'un après l'autre à travers cet anneau. Un procédé pertinent est décrit dans le document EP 0 285 156 A2 .The invention relates to a method of operating a braiding machine comprising a ring carrying coils of reinforcing fibers for successively braiding several layers of reinforcing fibers, around the same mandrel moved several times through the ring, or around several mandrels moved one after the other through this ring. A relevant process is described in the document EP 0 285 156 A2 .

ARRIERE PLAN DE L'INVENTIONBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Une machine de tressage permet de fabriquer une pièce en matériau composite en tressant autour d'un mandrin et sur toute sa longueur, une ou des couches de fibres renforçantes se superposant les unes aux autres.A braiding machine makes it possible to manufacture a piece of composite material by braiding around a mandrel and over its entire length, one or more reinforcing fiber layers superimposed on each other.

Une fois que les différentes couches ont été formées, l'ensemble constitué par le mandrin et les couches qu'il porte est placé dans un moule pour injecter de la résine dans ces couches. Cette résine est ensuite polymérisée par exemple par chauffage, pour constituer une pièce brute rigide.Once the various layers have been formed, the assembly consisting of the mandrel and the layers it carries is placed in a mold for injecting resin into these layers. This resin is then polymerized, for example by heating, to form a rigid blank.

Une telle machine de tressage, qui est représentée en figure 1 en y étant repérée par 1, comporte essentiellement un anneau 2 s'étendant dans un plan vertical, l'axe de révolution AX de cet anneau étant ainsi horizontal. Cet anneau 2 porte un ensemble de bobines de fibres renforçantes 3, qui convergent vers un point ou une région située sur l'axe AX en étant situé en avant du plan de l'anneau. Ces fibres définissent ainsi conjointement une forme généralement conique.Such a braiding machine, which is represented in figure 1 1, essentially comprises a ring 2 extending in a vertical plane, the axis of revolution AX of this ring thus being horizontal. This ring 2 carries a set of coils of reinforcing fibers 3, which converge towards a point or a region located on the axis AX being located in front of the plane of the ring. These fibers thus together define a generally conical shape.

Lorsque le cycle de tressage est lancé, le mandrin qui est repéré par 4 est déplacé le long de l'axe AX pour traverser l'anneau 2 au delà du point de convergence des fibres. En même temps, les bobines portées sur l'anneau 2 par des supports mobiles motorisés sont actionnées, pour fabriquer une chaussette de fibres renforçantes à la face externe de ce mandrin 4.When the braiding cycle is started, the mandrel which is marked by 4 is moved along the axis AX to cross the ring 2 beyond the point of convergence of the fibers. At the same time, the coils carried on the ring 2 by motorized mobile supports are actuated, for manufacture a sock of reinforcing fibers on the outer face of this mandrel 4.

Cette chaussette recouvre le mandrin sur toute sa longueur une fois qu'il a complètement traversé l'anneau, c'est-à-dire une fois qu'il est situé au delà du point de convergence des fibres qui est lui-même décalé par rapport à l'anneau.This sock covers the mandrel over its entire length once it has completely passed through the ring, that is to say once it is located beyond the point of convergence of the fibers which is itself offset by report to the ring.

La couche de fibres renforçantes est alors sectionnée en aval du mandrin, et le mandrin est démonté, puis replacé en arrière de l'anneau, afin de le traverser à nouveau pour la formation d'une seconde couche de fibres renforçantes se superposant radialement à la première.The reinforcing fiber layer is then cut downstream of the mandrel, and the mandrel is disassembled and then placed behind the ring, in order to cross it again for the formation of a second layer of reinforcing fibers radially superimposed on the first.

En pratique, le mandrin a son extrémité aval rigidement solidarisée à une tige arrière et son extrémité amont rigidement solidarisée à une tige avant par laquelle il est tiré pour être déplacé à travers l'anneau. Le mandrin peut à cet effet comporter à chacune de ses extrémités un trou taraudé, chaque tige ayant alors une extrémité filetée correspondante qui est vissée dans ce trou taraudé.In practice, the mandrel has its downstream end rigidly secured to a rear rod and its upstream end rigidly secured to a front rod by which it is pulled to be moved through the ring. The mandrel may for this purpose comprise at each of its ends a threaded hole, each rod then having a corresponding threaded end which is screwed into this threaded hole.

En fonctionnement, la couche de fibres tressées entoure la tige avant, et elle se forme autour du mandrin au fur et à mesure que celui-ci avance le long de l'axe AX en étant tiré par cette tige.In operation, the braided fiber layer surrounds the front shank and is formed around the mandrel as it progresses along the axis AX being pulled by that shank.

Lorsque cette couche est complètement formée, une corde est passée à travers la tresse, en aval du mandrin, et cette corde est tendue parallèlement à l'axe AX pour maintenir le point de convergence des fibres en avant de l'anneau et approximativement sur l'axe AX.When this layer is completely formed, a rope is passed through the braid, downstream of the mandrel, and this rope is stretched parallel to the axis AX to maintain the point of convergence of the fibers in front of the ring and approximately AX axis.

La tresse de fibres renforçantes peut alors être coupée entre le mandrin et la région où elle est traversée par la corde. Après cette étape, la tige avant est dévissée de l'extrémité avant du mandrin, et le mandrin est dévissé de l'extrémité avant de la tige arrière, pour être extrait avec la couche de fibres renforçantes qu'il porte.The reinforcing fiber braid can then be cut between the mandrel and the region where it is traversed by the rope. After this step, the front rod is unscrewed from the front end of the mandrel, and the mandrel is unscrewed from the front end of the rear rod, for be extracted with the layer of reinforcing fibers it carries.

Le mandrin avec la couche de fibres est ensuite à nouveau installé en arrière de l'anneau. L'extrémité arrière de la tige qui traverse l'anneau est alors vissée dans l'extrémité avant du mandrin, et cette tige qui était dans l'étape précédente la tige arrière devient alors la tige avant.The mandrel with the fiber layer is then reinstalled behind the ring. The rear end of the rod which passes through the ring is then screwed into the front end of the mandrel, and this rod which was in the previous step the rear rod then becomes the front rod.

Une autre tige est vissée à l'extrémité arrière du mandrin. Ces tiges qui sont solidarisées au mandrin sont par ailleurs maintenues en position sur l'axe AX au moyen de plusieurs paliers espacés les uns des autres le long de l'axe AX.Another rod is screwed to the rear end of the mandrel. These rods which are secured to the mandrel are also maintained in position on the axis AX by means of several bearings spaced apart from each other along the axis AX.

En pratique, lorsque le point de convergence des fibres est tenu par la corde pendant le retrait du mandrin et sa réintroduction, la position de ce point de convergence est trop mal maîtrisée pour assurer qu'il soit reste centré sur l'axe AX, de sorte que ce point de convergence se décale radialement par rapport à l'axe AX.In practice, when the point of convergence of the fibers is held by the rope during the removal of the mandrel and its reintroduction, the position of this point of convergence is too poorly controlled to ensure that it remains centered on the axis AX, of so that this point of convergence shifts radially with respect to the axis AX.

Ainsi, lorsque le mandrin est à nouveau installé dans la machine et que son extrémité avant est amenée en appui contre la zone de convergence des fibres, le décalage radial de cette zone de convergence se traduit par une désorganisation des fibres renforçantes, localement au niveau de l'extrémité du mandrin. La tenue mécanique de la pièce produite brute est alors significativement pénalisée au niveau de cette extrémité.Thus, when the mandrel is again installed in the machine and its front end is brought in abutment against the fiber convergence zone, the radial offset of this convergence zone results in disorganization of the reinforcing fibers, locally at the level of the end of the mandrel. The mechanical strength of the raw produced part is then significantly penalized at this end.

Une manière d'éviter ce problème consiste à faire fonctionner la machine de tressage pour recentrer la zone de convergence des fibres de carbone avant de procéder au remontage du mandrin. Cependant, cette solution est coûteuse en temps de fabrication et elle augmente la longueur de fibres renforçantes nécessaire au tressage de chaque couche.One way to avoid this problem is to operate the braiding machine to refocus the carbon fiber convergence zone before proceeding with the winding of the mandrel. However, this solution is expensive in manufacturing time and increases the length of reinforcing fibers necessary for braiding each layer.

OBJET DE L'INVENTIONOBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Le but de l'invention est de proposer une solution pour remédier à cet inconvénient.The object of the invention is to propose a solution to remedy this drawback.

RESUME DE L'INVENTIONSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un procédé d'exploitation d'une machine de tressage comportant un anneau portant des bobines de fibres renforçantes pour tresser successivement plusieurs couches de fibres renforçantes autour d'un même mandrin déplacé plusieurs fois à travers l'anneau ou autour de plusieurs mandrins déplacés l'un après l'autre à travers l'anneau, chaque mandrin étant porté par un support déplaçable à travers l'anneau le long de l'axe de l'anneau, dans lequel après passage d'un mandrin à travers l'anneau, les fibres renforçantes sont sectionnées en aval de ce mandrin pour pouvoir le retirer, caractérisé en ce que l'on prévoit :

  • un moyeu porté par le support et solidarisé au mandrin en étant monté en aval de celui-ci ;
  • une opération dans laquelle on enserre les fibres renforçantes autour du moyeu au moyen d'un lien entourant ces fibres renforçantes, après passage du mandrin à travers l'anneau ;
  • et dans lequel les fibres renforçantes sont sectionnées entre le mandrin et le moyeu préalablement au retrait du mandrin.
To this end, the subject of the invention is a method of operating a braiding machine comprising a ring carrying coils of reinforcing fibers for braiding successively several layers of reinforcing fibers around the same mandrel displaced several times through the ring or around several mandrels moved one after the other through the ring, each mandrel being carried by a support movable through the ring along the axis of the ring, wherein after passing through a mandrel through the ring, the reinforcing fibers are cut downstream of this mandrel to be able to remove it, characterized in that it is provided:
  • a hub carried by the support and secured to the mandrel being mounted downstream thereof;
  • an operation in which the reinforcing fibers are wrapped around the hub by means of a link surrounding these reinforcing fibers, after passage of the mandrel through the ring;
  • and wherein the reinforcing fibers are cut between the mandrel and the hub prior to removal of the mandrel.

Avec cette solution, les fibres peuvent être maintenues de manière parfaitement centrées sur l'axe de l'anneau lors du retrait d'un mandrin. Le coût de fabrication est alors réduit puisqu'il n'est plus nécessaire d'actionner la machine de tressage pour recentrer la tresse préalablement à l'installation d'un nouveau mandrin.With this solution, the fibers can be held perfectly centered on the axis of the ring during removal of a mandrel. The manufacturing cost is then reduced since it is no longer necessary to actuate the braiding machine to refocus the braid prior to the installation of a new mandrel.

L'invention concerne également un procédé tel que défini ci-dessus, dans lequel on utilise un moyeu comportant au moins une rainure circonférentielle formant une empreinte dans laquelle vient se loger le lien d'attache des fibres renforçantes.The invention also relates to a method as defined above, wherein a hub is used comprising at least one circumferential groove forming an impression in which is housed the fastening link reinforcing fibers.

L'invention concerne également un procédé tel que défini ci-dessus, dans lequel on utilise un moyeu ayant une forme au moins partiellement conique.The invention also relates to a method as defined above, in which a hub having an at least partially conical shape is used.

L'invention concerne également un procédé tel que défini ci-dessus, dans lequel on utilise un moyeu ayant une forme biconique.The invention also relates to a method as defined above, in which a hub having a biconical shape is used.

L'invention concerne également un procédé tel que défini ci-dessus, dans lequel le moyeu présente des extrémités de sections différentes correspondant aux sections d'un mandrin monté en amont de ce moyeu et d'un mandrin monté en aval de ce moyeu.The invention also relates to a method as defined above, wherein the hub has ends of different sections corresponding to the sections of a mandrel mounted upstream of the hub and a mandrel mounted downstream of the hub.

L'invention concerne également un procédé tel que défini ci-dessus, dans lequel le support du mandrin et du moyeu est formé par une ou plusieurs tiges s'étendant selon l'axe en étant porté par au moins deux paliers situés de part et d'autre de l'anneau.The invention also relates to a method as defined above, in which the support of the mandrel and the hub is formed by one or more rods extending along the axis while being carried by at least two bearings located on both sides. other of the ring.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES FIGURESBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

  • La figure 1 est une vue en perspective illustrant le tressage d'une couche de fibres de carbone autour d'un mandrin au moyen d'une machine de tressage ;The figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the braiding of a layer of carbon fibers around a mandrel by means of a braiding machine;
  • La figure 2 est une vue en perspective du moyeu du procédé selon l'invention ;The figure 2 is a perspective view of the hub of the method according to the invention;
  • La figure 3 montre schématiquement une étape du procédé selon l'invention dans laquelle les fibres renforçantes sont rassemblées et serrées autour du moyeu ;The figure 3 schematically shows a step of the method according to the invention wherein the reinforcing fibers are gathered and clamped around the hub;
  • La figure 4 illustre une étape de fabrication d'une première couche de fibres renforçantes autour du mandrin ;The figure 4 illustrates a step of manufacturing a first layer of reinforcing fibers around the mandrel;
  • La figure 5 illustre une étape du procédé dans laquelle les fibres sont enserrées autour du moyeu monté en aval du mandrin et dans laquelle les fibres tressées sont sectionnées en amont et en aval du mandrin ;The figure 5 illustrates a process step in which the fibers are clamped around the hub mounted downstream of the mandrel and wherein the braided fibers are cut upstream and downstream of the mandrel;
  • La figure 6 illustre une étape du procédé selon l'invention correspondant au retrait du mandrin avec la couche tressée qu'il porte ;The figure 6 illustrates a step of the method according to the invention corresponding to the removal of the mandrel with the braided layer that it carries;
  • La figure 7 est une vue latérale montrant en coupe le mandrin et le moyeu ;The figure 7 is a side view showing in section the mandrel and the hub;
  • La figure 8 est une vue latérale montrant en coupe un autre mandrin et un autres moyeu associé à ce mandrin.The figure 8 is a side view showing in section another mandrel and another hub associated with this mandrel.
DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE L'INVENTIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

L'idée à la base de l'invention est de monter un moyeu sur l'axe AX en aval du mandrin, et d'utiliser ce moyeu pour maintenir la zone de convergence des fibres renforçantes centrées sur l'axe AX lors du retrait du mandrin. Concrètement, une fois que la couche de fibres a été tressée sur toute la longueur du mandrin, un lien ou collier est passé et serré autour des fibres pour les enserrer contre le moyeu afin de maintenir la zone de convergence de ces fibres centrée sur l'axe AX.The idea underlying the invention is to mount a hub on the axis AX downstream of the mandrel, and to use this hub to maintain the convergence zone of the reinforcing fibers centered on the axis AX during removal of the mandrel. Specifically, once the fiber layer has been braided over the entire length of the mandrel, a link or collar is passed and tightened around the fibers to grip against the hub to maintain the convergence zone of these fibers centered on the AX axis.

Le moyeu qui est représenté seul en figure 2 en y étant repéré par 5 a une forme générale de révolution autour de l'axe AX. Sa surface externe est ici généralement conique, et elle comporte deux gorges circonférentielles 8 et 9 espacées l'une de l'autre le long de l'axe AX.The hub which is represented alone in figure 2 by being marked there by 5 has a general shape of revolution around the axis AX. Its outer surface is here generally conical, and it has two circumferential grooves 8 and 9 spaced apart from each other along the axis AX.

Chaque gorge 8, 9 constitue un logement destiné à recevoir un lien enserrant le moyeu avec les fibres entourant ce moyeu, pour que ce lien ne puisse pas glisser le long de la surface externe 7, dès lors qu'il est suffisamment serré, de manière à maintenir valablement en position la zone de convergence des fibres.Each groove 8, 9 constitutes a housing for receiving a link enclosing the hub with the fibers surrounding this hub, so that this link can not slide along the outer surface 7, when it is sufficiently tight, so that to validly maintain in position the fiber convergence zone.

En pratique, et comme visible en figure 3, les fibres renforçantes 3 s'étendent conjointement selon une forme conique, dont le sommet situé sur l'axe AX correspond à leur zone de convergence. Lorsque le moyeu 5 est situé au niveau de cette zone le long de l'axe AX, il est entouré par les fibres renforçantes qui sont alors en appui sur sa face externe.In practice, and as visible in figure 3 the reinforcing fibers 3 extend together in a conical shape, the vertex on the axis AX corresponding to their convergence zone. When the hub 5 is located at this zone along the axis AX, it is surrounded by the reinforcing fibers which are then supported on its outer face.

Dans cette situation, un lien ou un collier 11 entourant ces fibres à hauteur de l'une des gorges 8 ou 9 du moyeu 5, en étant serré sur celles-ci, permet de maintenir ces fibres renforçantes en position pour que leur zone de convergence soit maintenue sur l'axe AX, sans décalage radial.In this situation, a link or a collar 11 surrounding these fibers at one of the grooves 8 or 9 of the hub 5, being clamped on them, makes it possible to maintain these reinforcing fibers in position so that their convergence zone is maintained on the axis AX, without radial offset.

La figure 3 montre plus particulièrement une installation de tressage 1 au début d'une opération de tressage. Cette installation comporte un anneau 2 portant une série de bobines de fibres renforçantes 3, un support 12 portant un mandrin 13 ainsi qu'un premier moyeu 5 et un second moyeu 6 pour former un ensemble s'étendant selon l'axe AX.The figure 3 shows more particularly a braiding installation 1 at the beginning of a braiding operation. This installation comprises a ring 2 carrying a series of coils of reinforcing fibers 3, a support 12 carrying a mandrel 13 and a first hub 5 and a second hub 6 to form an assembly extending along the axis AX.

Le premier moyeu 5 est situé au delà de l'extrémité avant du mandrin 13, à savoir l'extrémité du mandrin qui est la plus éloignée de l'anneau 2, vers la droite sur la figure. Le second moyeu 6 est quant à lui situé dans le prolongement de l'extrémité arrière du mandrin 13.The first hub 5 is located beyond the front end of the mandrel 13, namely the end of the mandrel which is farthest from the ring 2, to the right in the figure. The second hub 6 is in turn located in the extension of the rear end of the mandrel 13.

Les fibres renforçantes 3 sont toutes enserrées autour du moyeu 5, par le lien 11, et le mandrin 13 est situé dans l'espace interne délimité par la surface conique que forment les fibres renforçantes 3, en vue du tressage d'une chaussette de fibres renforçantes autour de ce mandrin et sur toute sa longueur.The reinforcing fibers 3 are all clamped around the hub 5, by the link 11, and the mandrel 13 is located in the internal space delimited by the conical surface formed by the reinforcing fibers 3, for the braiding of a fiber sock reinforcing around this mandrel and over its entire length.

Le support 12 peut être constitué par quatre tiges 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d. Dans ce cas, chaque tige a ses deux extrémités filetées, et chaque extrémité du mandrin 13 et de l'un et l'autre des moyeux 5 et 6 comporte un trou taraudé dans lequel vient se visser une extrémité de tige.The support 12 may be constituted by four rods 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d. In this case, each rod has its two threaded ends, and each end of the mandrel 13 and the one and the other of the hubs 5 and 6 has a threaded hole in which is screwed a rod end.

L'assemblage des tiges avec le mandrin 13 et les moyeux 5 et 6 consiste à visser une extrémité de la tige 12a à l'extrémité avant du moyeu 5, à visser l'extrémité avant de la tige 12b à l'extrémité arrière du moyeu 5, à visser l'extrémité arrière de la tige 12b à l'extrémité avant du mandrin 13. De manière analogue, l'extrémité avant de la tige 12c est vissée à l'extrémité arrière du mandrin 13, l'extrémité arrière de la tige 12c est vissée à l'extrémité avant du moyeu 6, et enfin, l'extrémité avant de la tige 12d est vissée à l'extrémité arrière du moyeu 13.The assembly of the rods with the mandrel 13 and the hubs 5 and 6 consists of screwing one end of the rod 12a to the front end of the hub 5, to screw the end before the rod 12b at the rear end of the hub 5, to screw the rear end of the rod 12b to the front end of the mandrel 13. Similarly, the front end of the rod 12c is screwed to the rear end of the mandrel 13, the rear end of the rod 12c is screwed to the front end of the hub 6, and finally, the front end of the rod 12d is screwed to the rear end of the hub 13.

L'ensemble constitué par le mandrin 13, les deux moyeux 5, 6, et les tiges 12a-12c constitue un tout rigide maintenu en position sur l'axe AX, d'une part par un premier palier arrière non représenté qui est situé en arrière de l'anneau 2, c'est-à-dire à gauche de l'anneau sur la figure, et d'autre part par un moyen de traction non représenté auquel est solidarisée l'extrémité avant de la tige 12a.The assembly constituted by the mandrel 13, the two hubs 5, 6, and the rods 12a-12c constitutes a rigid whole held in position on the axis AX, on the one hand by a first not shown rear bearing which is located in rear of the ring 2, that is to say to the left of the ring in the figure, and secondly by a not shown traction means which is secured to the front end of the rod 12a.

Ce palier comporte un bâti fixe, éventuellement amovible, comprenant dans sa partie supérieure des organes agencés pour recevoir une tige pour la maintenir positionnée sur l'axe AX, tout en la bloquant au moins en rotation et éventuellement en translation. Le moyen de traction comporte de manière analogue des organes recevant la tige en la maintenant positionnée sur l'axe AX, avec des éléments de verrouillage en translation et en rotation pour tirer cette tige le long de l'axe AX.This bearing comprises a fixed frame, possibly removable, comprising in its upper part members arranged to receive a rod to maintain it positioned on the axis AX, while blocking at least in rotation and optionally in translation. The traction means similarly comprises members receiving the rod by maintaining it positioned on the axis AX, with translation and rotation locking elements for pulling this rod along the axis AX.

L'opération de tressage est débutée en déplaçant l'ensemble rigide constitué par le support 12 avec le mandrin 13 et les moyeux 5 et 6 vers l'avant, c'est-à-dire vers la droite sur la figure 3, en sollicitant le moyen de traction non représenté.The braiding operation is started by moving the rigid assembly constituted by the support 12 with the mandrel 13 and the hubs 5 and 6 forwards, that is to say to the right on the figure 3 , by requesting the traction means not shown.

Une chaussette se tresse alors autour du mandrin à hauteur du point de convergence des fibres, au fur et à mesure que le mandrin est déplacé, comme illustré schématiquement en figure 4 où environ une moitié de la chaussette a été tressée, le point de convergence des fibres renforçantes étant alors situé sensiblement à mi-longueur du mandrin.A sock then braids around the mandrel at the point of convergence of the fibers, as the mandrel is moved, as schematically illustrated in FIG. figure 4 where about half of the sock was braided, the point of convergence of reinforcing fibers then being located substantially mid-length of the mandrel.

Au fur et à mesure que ce mouvement est poursuivi, la couche de fibres renforçantes se forme sur la totalité de la longueur du mandrin 13, jusqu'à ce que le second moyeu 6 se trouve au niveau de la zone de convergence des fibres, ce qui correspond à la situation de la figure 5.As this movement is continued, the layer of reinforcing fibers is formed over the entire length of the mandrel 13, until the second hub 6 is at the level of the fiber convergence zone. which corresponds to the situation of the figure 5 .

L'installation est alors arrêtée, et un lien ou un collier 14 est passé autour du second mandrin 6 pour maintenir les fibres renforçantes en position au niveau de leur zone de convergence. Une fois cette opération effectuée, la couche de fibres renforçantes tressée 16 est coupée d'une part entre l'extrémité avant du mandrin 13 et le premier moyeu 5, et d'autre part entre l'extrémité arrière du mandrin 13 et le second moyeu 6. Ces découpes sont assurées au moyen d'outils coupants de type ciseaux ou analogues.The installation is then stopped, and a link or collar 14 is passed around the second mandrel 6 to maintain the reinforcing fibers in position at their convergence zone. Once this operation has been performed, the braided reinforcing fiber layer 16 is cut on the one hand between the front end of the mandrel 13 and the first hub 5, and on the other hand between the rear end of the mandrel 13 and the second hub. 6. These cuts are provided by means of cutting tools such as scissors or the like.

Lorsque la couche de fibres renforçantes a été découpée en amont et en aval du mandrin 13, celui-ci est retiré. Concrètement, un second palier arrière est avantageusement installé temporairement en arrière de l'anneau 2, en complément du premier palier arrière et en étant espacé de celui-ci le long de l'axe AX, de manière à maintenir complètement la tige 12d en position sur l'axe AX. Cette tige 12d étant celle qui porte le second moyeu 6, son maintien par les deux paliers arrière est suffisant pour maintenir en position la zone de convergence des fibres 3 sur l'axe AX, sans décalage radial.When the reinforcing fiber layer has been cut upstream and downstream of the mandrel 13, it is removed. Specifically, a second rear bearing is advantageously installed temporarily behind the ring 2, in addition to the first rear bearing and being spaced therefrom along the axis AX, so as to keep the rod 12d completely in position on the AX axis. This rod 12d being the one that carries the second hub 6, its holding by the two rear bearings is sufficient to maintain the position of the fiber convergence zone 3 on the axis AX, without radial offset.

A ce stade, la tige 12a est désaccouplée du moyen de traction non représenté, de sorte que l'ensemble formé par la tige 12c, le mandrin 13 avec la couche qu'il porte, ainsi que les tiges 12b et 12a peut être désolidarisé du second moyeu 6 en dévissant l'extrémité arrière de la tige 12c qui est vissée dans l'extrémité avant de ce moyeu 6.At this stage, the rod 12a is uncoupled from the not shown traction means, so that the assembly formed by the rod 12c, the mandrel 13 with the layer that it carries, as well as the rods 12b and 12a can be separated from the second hub 6 by unscrewing the rear end of the rod 12c which is screwed into the front end of this hub 6.

La tige 12a peut alors être démontée en la dévissant de l'extrémité avant du premier moyeu 5. Après quoi, cette tige 12a est d'une part vissée dans l'extrémité avant du second moyeu 6, et elle est d'autre part à nouveau accouplée au moyen de traction non représenté. Complémentairement, un ou deux paliers avant additionnels sont avantageusement installés temporairement pour maintenir cette tige 12a coaxiale à l'axe AX.The rod 12a can then be dismounted by unscrewing it from the front end of the first hub 5. After this, this rod 12a is firstly screwed into the front end of the second hub 6, and it is on the other hand again coupled to the traction means not shown. Complementarily, one or two additional front bearings are advantageously temporarily installed to maintain this rod 12a coaxial with the axis AX.

A ce stade, la tige 12d est démontée en la dévissant de l'extrémité arrière du second moyeu 6, ce second moyeu 6 étant alors maintenu par la tige avant 12a qui est elle-même portée par le moyen de traction ainsi que les paliers avant installés temporairement.At this stage, the rod 12d is dismounted by unscrewing it from the rear end of the second hub 6, this second hub 6 then being held by the front rod 12a which is itself carried by the traction means and the front bearings temporarily installed.

Le premier moyeu 5 est alors dévissé de l'extrémité avant de la tige 12b puis vissé dans l'extrémité arrière de la tige 12c. L'ensemble formé par, successivement, le premier moyeu 5, la tige 12c, le mandrin 13, et la tige 12b est alors installé en vissant l'extrémité avant de la tige 12b dans l'extrémité arrière du second moyeu 6, puis en vissant l'extrémité avant de la tige 12d dans l'extrémité arrière du premier moyeu 5.The first hub 5 is then unscrewed from the front end of the rod 12b and screwed into the rear end of the rod 12c. The assembly formed successively by the first hub 5, the rod 12c, the mandrel 13, and the rod 12b is then installed by screwing the front end of the rod 12b into the rear end of the second hub 6, then screwing the front end of the rod 12d into the rear end of the first hub 5.

A ce stade, la disposition de l'installation correspond à nouveau à celle de la figure 3, à la différence près que les positions du premier moyeu 5 et du second moyeu 6 sont interverties par rapport à celles qu'elles occupent dans la figure 3.At this stage, the layout of the installation is again in line with that of the figure 3 , with the difference that the positions of the first hub 5 and the second hub 6 are inverted relative to those they occupy in the figure 3 .

Le tressage d'une nouvelle couche de fibres renforçantes se superposant à la première peut alors débuter, après avoir retiré les paliers avant et arrière qui ont le cas échéant été installés temporairement. Ainsi de suite, différentes couches sont tressées sur le mandrin, jusqu'à atteindre une épaisseur prédéterminée.The braiding of a new layer of reinforcing fibers superimposed on the first can then begin, after removing the front and rear bearings that have possibly been installed temporarily. Thus, different layers are braided on the mandrel, until reaching a predetermined thickness.

Dans l'exemple des figures, les moyeux 5 et 6 sont séparés du mandrin 13 par une distance relativement importante, mais cette distance peut avantageusement être réduite, ce qui permet de diminuer la longueur de fibres renforçantes nécessaire pour chaque couche, et par là même, le coût de fabrication.In the example of the figures, the hubs 5 and 6 are separated from the mandrel 13 by a relatively large distance, but this distance can advantageously be reduced, which reduces the length of reinforcing fibers required for each layer, and thereby the cost of manufacture.

Ainsi, comme représenté en figure 7, la distance séparant chaque moyeu du mandrin peut être réduite à une valeur minimale d qui correspond sensiblement à l'espace minimal nécessaire pour le passage de l'outil de découpe de la couche de fibres renforçantes.Thus, as represented in figure 7 , the distance separating each hub of the mandrel can be reduced to a minimum value d which corresponds substantially to the minimum space required for the passage of the cutting tool of the reinforcing fiber layer.

Dans l'exemple des figures, le moyeu 5 comprend deux gorges permettant d'enserrer les fibres renforçantes dans deux liens ou colliers correspondants, mais une solution comportant une seule gorge peut aussi être satisfaisante, le choix du nombre de gorges et de colliers ou de liens étant conditionné essentiellement par les conditions de fabrication.In the example of the figures, the hub 5 comprises two grooves making it possible to grip the reinforcing fibers in two corresponding links or collars, but a solution comprising a single groove may also be satisfactory, the choice of the number of grooves and collars or of links being conditioned essentially by the manufacturing conditions.

De la même manière, la forme extérieure du moyeu 5 est elle aussi choisie en fonction des conditions de fabrication. Dans l'exemple de la figure 8 le moyeu qui est repéré par 18 est interposé entre deux mandrins consécutifs 13 et 17 ayant des diamètres différents, et qui sont montés l'un après l'autre sur le support.In the same way, the outer shape of the hub 5 is also chosen according to the manufacturing conditions. In the example of the figure 8 the hub which is marked by 18 is interposed between two consecutive mandrels 13 and 17 having different diameters, and which are mounted one after the other on the support.

Dans ces conditions, le moyeu 18 a une forme biconique, et présente à son extrémité 19 la plus proche du mandrin 13 une section correspondant à celle du mandrin 13, et à son extrémité 21 la plus proche du mandrin 17 une section correspondant à la section de ce mandrin 17. La surface externe du moyeu 18 raccorde les contours de ces deux sections, tout en définissant dans sa région centrale un étranglement 23 constituant une gorge destinée à recevoir un lien pour attacher les fibres renforçantes de la couche tressée 22.Under these conditions, the hub 18 has a biconical shape, and has at its end 19 closest to the mandrel 13 a section corresponding to that of the mandrel 13, and at its end 21 closest to the mandrel 17 a section corresponding to the section of this mandrel 17. The outer surface of the hub 18 connects the contours of these two sections, while defining in its central region a throat 23 constituting a groove for receiving a link for attaching the reinforcing fibers of the braided layer 22.

Avantageusement, le diamètre de l'extrémité 19 est sensiblement inférieur au diamètre du mandrin 13, et à contrario, le diamètre de l'extrémité 21 est sensiblement supérieur au diamètre du mandrin 17, de manière à écarter la tresse pour faciliter le montage de ce mandrin 17 entre les deux opérations de tressage.Advantageously, the diameter of the end 19 is substantially smaller than the diameter of the mandrel 13, and conversely, the diameter of the end 21 is substantially greater than the diameter of the mandrel 17, so as to spread the braid to facilitate the mounting of the mandrel 17 between the two braiding operations.

Ce moyeu permet d'assurer une continuité de la couche tressée 22 entre le premier mandrin 13 et le second mandrin 17, de sorte que l'orientation des fibres n'est pas perturbée par la transition d'un mandrin à l'autre.This hub makes it possible to ensure continuity of the braided layer 22 between the first mandrel 13 and the second mandrel 17, so that the orientation of the fibers is not disturbed by the transition from one mandrel to the other.

De même que dans l'exemple de la figure 7, le moyeu 18 est séparé de chacun des mandrins 13 et 17 par une distance d qui correspond à l'espace minimal pour le passage d'un outil de découpe de la couche de fibres renforçantes.As in the example of figure 7 the hub 18 is separated from each of the mandrels 13 and 17 by a distance d which corresponds to the minimum space for the passage of a cutting tool of the reinforcing fiber layer.

Par ailleurs, il est à noter que dans l'exemple de la figure 7, le moyeu a une forme biconique qui est asymétrique. Mais un moyeu ayant une forme biconique symétrique par rapport à son centre pourrait être adapté à certains cas de fabrication, notamment lorsqu'on tresse des couches de fibres renforçantes autour de différents mandrins de mêmes diamètres.Moreover, it should be noted that in the example of figure 7 the hub has a biconical shape that is asymmetrical. But a hub having a biconic shape symmetrical with respect to its center could be adapted to certain cases of manufacture, especially when braiding layers of reinforcing fibers around different mandrels of the same diameters.

Dans les différents exemples des figures, les mandrins ont des formes simples de révolution, de même que les moyeux, mais l'invention s'applique également à des situations dans lesquelles le ou les mandrins ont des sections quelconques, comme par exemple des sections rectangulaires, auquel cas, le ou les moyeux utilisés ont aussi des sections quelconques correspondant à celles des mandrins.In the various examples of the figures, the mandrels have simple shapes of revolution, as well as the hubs, but the invention also applies to situations in which the mandrel or mandrels have any sections, such as for example rectangular sections. in which case the hub (s) used also have any sections corresponding to those of the mandrels.

Dans le cas où les mandrins et moyeux ont des formes qui ne sont pas de révolution, il est avantageux d'assurer que ces éléments ne puissent pas tourner autour de l'axe AX au cours de la formation de la couche de fibres renforçantes. On peut alors prévoir que l'accouplement entre chaque tige support et chaque mandrin ou moyeu soit alors assuré avec une clavette transversale traversant l'extrémité de l'élément considéré et la tige de manière à interdire toute rotation de chaque élément par rapport à la tige.In the case where the mandrels and hubs have shapes that are not revolution, it is advantageous to ensure that these elements can not rotate around the axis AX during the formation of the reinforcing fiber layer. It can then be provided that the coupling between each support rod and each mandrel or hub is then provided with a transverse key passing through the end of the element in question and the rod so as to prohibit any rotation of each element relative to the rod.

Claims (6)

  1. A method of operating a braiding machine (1) including a ring (2) carrying spools of reinforcing fiber (3) for successively braiding a plurality of layers (16; 22) of reinforcing fibers (3) around the same mandrel (13, 17) moved several times through the ring (2) or around a plurality of mandrels (13, 17) moved one after the other through the ring (2), each mandrel (13, 17) being carried by a support (12) movable through the ring (2) along the axis (AX) of the ring (2), in which method, after passing a mandrel (13, 17) through the ring (2), the reinforcing fibers (3) are cut downstream of this mandrel (13, 17) to be able to remove it, characterized in that:
    - a hub (5, 6; 18) carried by the support (12) and fastened to the mandrel (13; 17) is mounted downstream of the latter;
    - the reinforcing fibers (3) are tightened around the hub (5, 6; 18) by means of a tie (11, 14) around these reinforcing fibers (3) after passing the mandrel (13, 17) through the ring (2); and
    - the reinforcing fibers (3) are cut between the mandrel (13, 17) and the hub (5, 6; 18) before removing the mandrel (13, 17) from the hub (5, 6; 18).
  2. The method claimed in claim 1, wherein a hub (5, 6; 17) is used including at least one circumferential groove (8, 9; 23) forming an imprint in which is accommodated the tie (11; 14) for attaching the reinforcing fibers (3).
  3. The method claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein a hub (5, 6) is used having a shape that is at least partly conical.
  4. The method claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a hub (18) is used having a biconical shape.
  5. The method claimed in claim 4, wherein the hub (18) has ends of different sections corresponding to the sections of a mandrel (17) mounted upstream of this hub (18) and a mandrel (13) mounted downstream of this hub (18).
  6. The method claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support (12) of the mandrel (13, 17) and the hub (5, 6; 18) is formed by one or more rods (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) extending along the axis (AX) and carried by at least two bearings situated on either side of the ring (2).
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FR1051170A FR2956415B1 (en) 2010-02-18 2010-02-18 METHOD FOR OPERATING A REINFORCING FIBER MACHINE
PCT/EP2011/000659 WO2011101110A2 (en) 2010-02-18 2011-02-11 Method for operating a machine for plaiting reinforcing fibers

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EP2536874B1 true EP2536874B1 (en) 2018-06-27

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DE102011009641B4 (en) * 2011-01-27 2013-04-04 Puma SE Method for producing a shoe upper of a shoe, in particular a sports shoe
CN104562427B (en) * 2015-01-07 2016-09-28 浙江理工大学 A kind of for three-dimensional ring braider mandrel changing-over method and system thereof
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JP2013519806A (en) 2013-05-30
US20130133508A1 (en) 2013-05-30
JP5405674B2 (en) 2014-02-05
FR2956415A1 (en) 2011-08-19
BR112012020779A2 (en) 2016-05-03
WO2011101110A2 (en) 2011-08-25
RU2012139831A (en) 2014-03-27
US8800417B2 (en) 2014-08-12
WO2011101110A3 (en) 2012-08-09
CN102762787A (en) 2012-10-31
CA2790180A1 (en) 2011-08-25
RU2523072C2 (en) 2014-07-20
CN102762787B (en) 2014-06-04
EP2536874A2 (en) 2012-12-26
FR2956415B1 (en) 2012-04-13
CA2790180C (en) 2015-08-04

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