EP3140105A1 - Method and machine for creating preforms by compactionless application of oriented fibers - Google Patents
Method and machine for creating preforms by compactionless application of oriented fibersInfo
- Publication number
- EP3140105A1 EP3140105A1 EP15721761.3A EP15721761A EP3140105A1 EP 3140105 A1 EP3140105 A1 EP 3140105A1 EP 15721761 A EP15721761 A EP 15721761A EP 3140105 A1 EP3140105 A1 EP 3140105A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- application
- fibers
- head
- fiber
- roller
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
- B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
- B29C70/28—Shaping operations therefor
- B29C70/30—Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or core; Shaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core
- B29C70/38—Automated lay-up, e.g. using robots, laying filaments according to predetermined patterns
- B29C70/386—Automated tape laying [ATL]
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29B—PREPARATION OR PRETREATMENT OF THE MATERIAL TO BE SHAPED; MAKING GRANULES OR PREFORMS; RECOVERY OF PLASTICS OR OTHER CONSTITUENTS OF WASTE MATERIAL CONTAINING PLASTICS
- B29B11/00—Making preforms
- B29B11/14—Making preforms characterised by structure or composition
- B29B11/16—Making preforms characterised by structure or composition comprising fillers or reinforcement
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C31/00—Handling, e.g. feeding of the material to be shaped, storage of plastics material before moulding; Automation, i.e. automated handling lines in plastics processing plants, e.g. using manipulators or robots
- B29C31/04—Feeding of the material to be moulded, e.g. into a mould cavity
- B29C31/042—Feeding of the material to be moulded, e.g. into a mould cavity using dispensing heads, e.g. extruders, placed over or apart from the moulds
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
- B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
- B29C70/28—Shaping operations therefor
- B29C70/30—Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or core; Shaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core
- B29C70/34—Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or core; Shaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core and shaping or impregnating by compression, i.e. combined with compressing after the lay-up operation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
- B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
- B29C70/28—Shaping operations therefor
- B29C70/54—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations, e.g. feeding or storage of prepregs or SMC after impregnation or during ageing
- B29C70/545—Perforating, cutting or machining during or after moulding
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method for producing preforms by applying fibers to a tool, a method of making composite material parts from said preforms, and a corresponding application machine.
- the pre form is obtained after cooling and demolding.
- This preform can then be subjected to an infusion or resin injection operation to obtain a final piece of composite material, comprising fibers and a resin matrix.
- This process is conventionally used for the manufacture of preforms from glass fibers.
- This fiber projection technique ensures good rates for the production of preforms.
- a disadvantage of this technique is the low mechanical strength of the final part because of the short fibers and not oriented relative to major constraints, the short fibers being projected randomly. This technique can not be used for the manufacture of structural parts.
- the object of the present invention is to propose a solution to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.
- the present invention proposes a method for producing preforms comprising the application of fibers to an application surface or drape surface, characterized in that it comprises
- an "application without compaction” or “non-contact application” means an application by means of the head application without compacting the fibers by the application head against the draping surface.
- the method comprises the application of continuous and oriented fibers, the fibers to be applied being positively entrained continuously in the application head.
- This application without compaction is as close as possible to the surface to be draped, to limit the unguided distance of the deposited fibers.
- the fibers are re-routed continuously during draping and cut to the desired length.
- the continuous drive allows to actively evacuate the fibers without requiring a first grip on the tooling.
- This application is performed without compaction and can therefore be performed at high rates, higher than in the case of an application to contact by means of a compaction roller.
- the precision of application of the fibers according to the process according to the invention is less important than that obtained by a method of application to the contact by means of a roll, the resulting preform being able to present in a fold fiber recovery rates and vacuum rates, conventionally called gap rates, larger, and a lower orientation accuracy.
- the applied fibers are oriented and make it possible to obtain pieces having a good mechanical strength, better than in the case of a projection of short fibers randomly.
- the application without compacting fibers is carried out by means of an application head capable of applying at least one fiber, preferably several fibers simultaneously, in particular in the form of a strip formed of several fiber substantially edge to edge, said head comprising drive means adapted to drive each fiber, preferably individually, said drive means comprising at least one roller or drive roller, the driving speed is a function of the application speed, and a counter-roller adapted to press the fiber against the drive roller, so that the fiber is driven positively by the latter.
- the fibers can be driven at the same drive speed, for example by means of a drive roller common, or at different drive speeds, a drive roller being then associated with each fiber.
- the method comprises the application of fibers provided with a binder and / or the application of binder to the application surface simultaneously and / or subsequently to the application of the fibers.
- Compacting can be done cold or hot.
- said binder is activated by heating during the compacting operation, said binder ensuring the cohesion of the preform after compaction.
- Said binder application preferably comprises the spraying of a liquid binder and / or the projection of a binder in the form of a powder, the said binder allowing the adhesion of the fibers applied to the application surface and / or the fibers previously applied.
- the process according to the invention is a process for producing dry preforms, comprising less than 10% by weight of binder, preferably less than 5% by weight of binder, said dry preform being thereafter subjected to an impregnation operation of a resin to form a composite part.
- the dry preforms are obtained by application of dry fibers provided with a binder and / or by application of dry fibers, without binder and application of binder to the application surface.
- the process is a process for producing pre-impregnated preforms, comprising at least 30% by weight of binder, preferably at least 40% by weight of binder, said binder constituting the matrix of the final composite part, the pre-impregnated preform being not subsequently subjected to an impregnation operation, for a core impregnation of the binder in the fibers, and then a hardening operation.
- the pre-impregnated preforms are obtained by application of pre-impregnated fibers, and / or by application of dry fibers, without binder, and application of binder to the application surface.
- said method comprises the application of an adhesion agent, such as water, to promote the adhesion by capillarity of the fibers applied to the tool or the fibers of the folds previously draped.
- the method comprises fiber cutting operations by cutting means of the application head, at the end of the trajectory, and / or during a trajectory, said cutting means being disposed downstream of the means. drive relative to the direction of advancement of the fibers in the application head.
- the cut fibers are driven by complementary drive means preferably comprising for each fiber a channel in which circulates an upstream gas flow downstream.
- complementary drive means make it possible to deposit fibers of restricted lengths, in particular less than the distance between the cutting means and the application surface.
- These complementary drive means can also drive the fibers throughout the main guide system.
- the fibers are guided by additional guide means, comprising at least one channel of which at least the downstream portion is formed by a flexible tube coming into contact with the application surface. during application, this is to reduce the distance between the head and the tooling.
- the head comprises a flexible tube by fiber, each flexible tube being able to move independently.
- the application in order to facilitate the maintenance of the set of folds on the tooling, the application comprises the flat application by the top of fibers on a substantially flat application surface.
- the method comprises the application in contact with fibers in defined orientations by means of an application head comprising a compacting roller, preferably operable between an active position to allow application with compaction, to contact, with said roller, and an inactive position in which the head is used for non-compaction application of fibers, said contacting being performed by relative displacement of the application head relative to the application surface according to different trajectories, said head being supported by its compacting roller against the application surface, the counter roller aforesaid drive means being preferably in an inactive position, so that the fiber is not driven positively in the head during the application to the contact.
- the method comprises a combination of application without compaction of fibers and application with compaction of fibers. This application of contact fibers, called fiber placement, can be carried out to achieve local reinforcements for example, before an application without compacting fibers and / or after an application without compacting fibers and compaction of said applied fibers without compaction.
- the present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing composite material parts, characterized in that it comprises
- a resin impregnation step in the preform comprising adding one or more resins by infusion or injection, or heating the preform to impregnate the whole of the preform with resins forming the binder;
- Said impregnation step may be performed after a possible step of clipping the preform.
- the present invention also relates to a fiber application machine comprising
- an application head comprising a main guide system for guiding at least one continuous fiber towards an application surface, driving means capable of driving each fiber at a driving speed, said driving means comprising a driving roller and a roller adapted to press the fiber against the drive roller, and preferably cutting means capable of cutting each fiber, preferably individually,
- displacement means capable of effecting a relative movement of the head relative to the application surface of a tool for applying the fibers along paths at an application speed, characterized in that it comprises a control unit adapted to drive the drive means for driving at a driving speed each fiber to be applied depending on the speed of application, so that the fiber is driven positively for the applying said fiber to the drape surface.
- the machine further preferably comprises a storage and dispensing system for storing and dispensing at least one fiber, and / or conveyance means for conveying the fiber (s) from said storage and dispensing system to the main guidance system. of the head.
- the main guide system comprises guide channels
- the head further comprises complementary drive means capable of driving the fibers at least downstream of the cutting means
- said complementary drive means comprising injection means for injecting a gaseous fluid, such as compressed air or any other type of gas into said guide channels, to create an upstream stream of air downstream towards the lower edge of the the head, at least downstream of the cutting means, said injection means being arranged for example downstream of the cutting means for driving the fibers that have just been cut.
- the injection means are arranged upstream of the cutting means, better still, upstream of the drive means for driving the fibers into the main guide system.
- the head comprises additional guiding means capable of guiding the fiber or fibers downstream of the main guiding system, said additional guiding means comprise at least one flexible tube, preferably a flexible tube by fiber, capable of against the application surface, by deforming, for the application of fibers, said complementary drive means possibly causing the fibers in said flexible tube.
- the head comprises at least one application roller mounted movably with respect to said main guide system between at least
- said head comprising an actuating system able to maneuver the roll between its two positions.
- said additional guide means are mounted movable relative to said main guide system between at least one active position in which said strip is adapted to be guided by the first additional guide means for the application without compacting a strip, and an inactive position, in which the first additional guiding means are spaced apart from the main guiding system, said head comprising actuating means able to maneuver the roll in the active position and the first additional guiding means in position inactive to apply a strip to the contact by means of the roll, and to operate the roll in the inactive position and the first additional guide means in the active position to apply without compacting a strip.
- the operation of the application roller and the first additional guide means between their two positions is achieved by pivoting about one or more pivot axes.
- the roller and the first additional guide means are mounted on a common support module adapted to be maneuvered by said actuating system for their operation between their two positions, said support module being mounted at the lower ends of two arm extending from both sides of the main guide system, the arms being pivotally mounted relative to the main guide system by their upper end around a pivot axis, disposed above the axis of rotation of the roller.
- roller and the first additional guide means are mounted on separate support modules, pivotally mounted via pivoting arms.
- the head further comprises second additional guide means mounted on the support module of the roller and adapted to guide each fiber exiting the main guide system to the roller when said roller is in the active position.
- the head can understand
- a compacting wedge mounted on the roller support module, and / or
- one or more heating systems for example mounted on the common support module or the separate support modules, capable of emitting thermal radiation in the direction of the fiber band before its application without compacting and / or before its application to the contact and / or or towards the mold or fiber strips already applied; and or
- Application means for applying a binder or an adhesion agent upstream of the lower or downstream edge of the main guide means system relative to the direction of advance of the head, on the application surface and / or previously applied fibers.
- the machine comprises a draping tool equipped with means of evacuation to promote the holding by suction of the draped fibers on the application surface.
- said main guide system is able to guide a plurality of fibers towards the application roller in the form of a strip
- the main guide system comprises first and second guide means arranged in a staggered manner according to two guide planes approaching each other from upstream to downstream to guide the fibers downstream edge of the main guide system in the form of two fiber sheets, the first and second guide means comprising first channels; and second channels opening on the downstream edge of the main guide system.
- FIG. 1 is a partial schematic view of an application head according to the invention for producing a preform
- FIGS. 2A and 2B are two schematic side views illustrating the draping operation by means of the head of Figure 1;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view from above of the draping tool illustrating fibers draped in different orientations
- FIG. 4A, 4B and 4C are schematic side views illustrating the compacting operation and a resultant preform
- FIG. 5 illustrates a variant of the trajectory of the head for draping fibers
- FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side view of the draping tool illustrating an alternative application of fibers
- FIG. 7 is a schematic side view illustrating a binder application operation by means of the application head
- FIG. 8 is a partial schematic view of an application head according to a second embodiment, in the application position with compacting
- FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged view of the head of FIG. 8;
- FIG. 10 is a view similar to that of Figure 8, the head being in the application position without compacting;
- FIG. 11 is a partial enlarged view of the head of FIG. 10.
- FIG. 12 is a partial schematic view of an application head according to a third embodiment.
- FIG. 1 partially illustrates a fiber application head 1 according to the invention, also known as a drape head, provided here for the application of a strip formed from one or more fibers.
- the fibers 9 enter the head in the form of two plies of fibers, and the head 1 comprises a main guide system 11 for guiding the fibers to form a fiber web in which the fibers are arranged side by side.
- the main guide system comprises first guide channels 111a and second guide channels 111b in which pass respectively the fibers of the first web and the fibers of the second web.
- These guide channels are for example formed at the assembly interface of a central piece 112, wedge-shaped, and two side plates 113a, 113b, for example by grooves formed on the faces of the central piece and / or side plates.
- the first channels and the second channels are staggered, in two planes PI, P2 guide approaching each other from upstream to downstream, so that the fibers of the two layers are substantially disposed edge to edge in outlet of the head, at the downstream edge 114 of the head, also called lower edge.
- the PI planes, P2 guide are arranged symmetrically on either side of the plane P3 median symmetry of the guidance system.
- the head comprises for example a support structure (not shown) on which is mounted the main guide system and by which the head can be assembled to a displacement system, adapted to move the head in at least three directions perpendicular to each other .
- the displacement system comprises for example a robot comprising a wrist or poly-articulated arm at the end of which is mounted said application head.
- the head is fixed and the draping mold or tool is able to be moved relative to the head to perform draping operations.
- the fibers are conveyed from storage means (not shown) to the head via conveying means (not shown).
- the fiber storage means may comprise a creel in the case of fibers packaged in the form of coils.
- the conveying means may be formed of flexible tubes, each tube receiving a fiber in its internal passage.
- the head further comprises, on either side of the main guiding system, cutting means 12, for individually cutting each fiber passing through the guiding system, locking means 13, arranged upstream of the cutting means by relative to the direction of advancement of the fibers, for blocking each fiber that has just been cut, and drive means 14, arranged upstream of the cutting means, for driving individually each fiber, in order to be able to stop and resume the application of a band at any time, as well as to choose the width of the band.
- the cutting means 12 For each fiber of a web, the cutting means 12 comprise a blade 121 mounted at the end of the rod of a cylinder 122.
- the cutting cylinder is able to move its blade from a rest position to a cutting position to cut a fiber.
- the cutting means comprise for example counter-tools arranged on the central piece 112, vis-à-vis the cutting edges of the blades, and against which the blades abut in the cutting position.
- the cylinders are arranged in a row, and the counter-tools comprise a bar, for example of elastomeric material, housed in the central piece.
- the locking means 13 For each fiber of a web, the locking means 13 comprise a stud 131 mounted at the end of the rod of a locking jack 132.
- the locking cylinder is able to move its block from a rest position to a blocking position to block a fiber.
- the locking means comprise counter-locking tools arranged on the central part, opposite the bearing surfaces of the pads, and against which the pads abut in the locking position.
- the locking cylinders are arranged in a row, above the row of cutting cylinders, said counter tools are formed for example of the same rigid bar housed in a housing of the central part.
- the drive means 14 comprise a counter-roller 141 actuated by a drive cylinder 142 between a spaced position, said rest position, in which the counter-roller is disposed at a distance from a driving roller, and a driving position for pressing the fiber against the drive roller 143.
- the counter-roller 141 is rotatably mounted on a yoke mounted at the free end of the rod 142 of the cylinder training.
- the drive cylinders and the counter rollers are arranged in a row between the row of cutting cylinders and the row of locking cylinders.
- the drive rollers are mounted on the same axis or drive rod 144.
- the two drive rods carrying the drive rollers are rotatably mounted on the central part 112.
- the Driving rods are continuously rotated in the direction of rotation represented by the arrows SI.
- the drive rods are for example rotated by the same motor, by means of a belt mounted on the ends of the drive rods and the motor shaft.
- the motor is driven by a control unit of the head so that the rotational or driving speed of the drive rollers is proportional to the speed of movement or application of the head.
- the drive rollers for the fibers of each web are replaced by a same drive roller.
- the locking means 13, the drive means 14 and the cutting means 12 of the first ply and the second ply are arranged symmetrically on either side of the plane of symmetry P3.
- the driving, cutting and / or blocking means for a fiber sheet are arranged in two superposed rows, said means for two fibers adjacent ones of the same sheet being in different rows.
- the cutting cylinders, blocking and driving are controlled by a control unit of the head.
- the head is for example designed to receive eight fibers, 6.35 mm wide, and allow the application of strips of one to eight fibers.
- the head further comprises air injection means 15 for injecting compressed air into the guide channels 111a, 111b, and creating an upstream flow of air downstream, towards the lower edge 114 of the head.
- air injection means comprise injection tubes 151 connected to the guide channels, downstream of the cutting means.
- the air flow is preferably air-conditioned, namely regulated in temperature and / or hygrometry, and purified to avoid any contamination of the fibers.
- the head is used to apply fibers to a mold, by relative movement of the head over a draping tool, without contact between the head and the draping tool, the fibers to be applied being driven positively by their pebbles respective training which fibers are plated by their respective counter-rollers in driving position.
- the head is used for producing a dry preform P of omega section, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, from dry fibers, provided with a binder in powder form and / or one or more webs, and / or in the form of co-mixed fibers, for example continuous flat carbon fibers, of the wick type, comprising a multitude of carbon threads or filaments, with a thermoplastic binder in the form of of powder, present in an amount of the order of 2% by weight.
- the preform P is made by superimposing several plies of fibers in orientations at 0 °, 90 °, + 45 ° and -45 °, on the application surface 21 of FIG. a draping tool 2, which here constitutes a male forming tool.
- the application surface 21 corresponds to the inner surface of the preform to be produced, and is provided with a longitudinal projection whose section corresponds to the section of the preform to be produced.
- the surface thus has an upper flat portion 21a connected to lateral plane portions 21b by two ramp portions 21c.
- FIG. 3 schematically illustrates only two bands of fibers of a 90 ° fold, and only one band. of each following fold at 0 °, + 45 ° and -45 °.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an operation for applying a band of fibers to the tooling by moving the head along a trajectory T1 at 90 °.
- the drive rollers continuously drive the fibers to deposit them on the surface of the draping tool.
- the path is substantially rectilinear and is defined so that the head can pass over the boss without coming into contact therewith. At the end of the trajectory, each fiber is cut, locked and its counter-roller is maneuvered in the rest position.
- the set of plies E is subjected to a compacting operation also called forming operation, said operation consisting in compacting the set of plies between the male forming tool 2 and a female forming tooling 3 having a longitudinal groove of shape corresponding to that of the boss, by relative approximation of the draping tool and the female molding tool, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B.
- This compaction is carried out hot, by heating the two tools 2, 3, in order to soften the binder and obtain a preform.
- compacting is accomplished using a vacuum tarpaulin system in place of the female forming tool.
- the resulting preform is then subjected to an operation of adding resin by injection and / or infusion to finally obtain a piece of composite material.
- the fibers applied are fibers pre-impregnated with one or more thermoplastic or thermosetting resins.
- the set of plies is subjected to a compacting operation, as described above, and to a hardening operation, also called a consolidation operation, these two operations being combinable and carried out with the same tooling.
- the draping operation consists of flat draping a plurality of plies without compacting in complementary orientations on a substantially flat surface of a draping tool formed of a plate.
- the set of folds is subjected to a forming operation between a male forming tool and a female forming tool.
- the set of plies is transferred from the draping tool to the female forming tool.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of trajectories, in which the head 1 follows the application surface 21 while remaining substantially at the same distance from the latter, so as to make a non-contact application as close as possible to the surface of the application 21, and thus limit the distance over which the fibers are not guided.
- the head is here equipped with a heating system 16 to heat the binder during application of the fibers, and thus allow adhesion of the fibers of the various plies.
- the heating system for example of the infrared lamp type, heats the fibers before they are applied to the application surface, as well as the application surface or the fibers previously deposited. n upstream of the lower edge of the head relative to the direction of advancement.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a fiber application variant in which fiber cutting operations are performed during each path in order to apply short fibers 94, of a few centimeters, for example of the order of 5 to 8 cm. , one behind the others.
- each fiber is cut into segments 94 via its associated cutting means, while being continuously driven by its drive means.
- the application is made by performing head trajectories as illustrated in Figure 5, and injecting air via the injection tubes 151 to drive to the application surface fibers once cut.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the head 1 is equipped with application means 17 for the application of a binder to the application surface 21 or to the previously deposited fibers.
- the binder application means comprises a nozzle for spraying a liquid binder or for spraying a binder in powder form.
- the application of binder is carried out during application of fibers or between fiber applications, for example before making a fold.
- the fibers applied are dry, non-bindered fibers
- the application means are used to apply a binder, in a sufficient quantity, of the order of approximately 4% by weight, to allow during application, adhesion of the fibers applied to the application surface or to the fibers of the preceding plies, and cohesion of the preform after the compacting operation.
- the application means is used to apply a binder of one or more resins in an amount sufficient to form the matrix of the final composite part.
- the application means are used to spray an adhesion agent, such as water to allow the adhesion by capillarity of the fibers on the tool or the fibers of the folds previously draped.
- an adhesion agent such as water
- Figures 8 to 11 illustrate a head according to a second embodiment, wherein the head allows either the application without compaction of fibers, or the application with compaction of fibers by means of a compacting roller.
- head 1 previously described is equipped with a compaction roller 3 that can be operated between an active position and an inactive position.
- the head comprises a support module 4 on which are mounted a first additional guidance system 5 associated with a compacting roller 3, and a second additional guidance system 6.
- the support module is movable between
- a compacted application position also called a placement position, as illustrated in FIG. 8, in which the roll is in the active position, the first additional guidance system guiding the fibers exiting the main guide system to the closer to the roller, and
- the second additional guidance system guides the fibers coming out of the main guidance system as close as possible to the surface of the 'application.
- the support module 4 comprises two support elements 40 between which the additional guidance systems 5, 6 are mounted on either side of the plane of symmetry P4 of the support module.
- the roller 3 is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation Al, between the two support members 40, on the side of the first additional guide system 5.
- the support module is assembled at the lower ends of two arms 41 extending from one side to the other. other side faces of the main guide system.
- Each arm is pivotally mounted on a lateral face of the guide system about a pivot axis A2, arranged in the plane of symmetry P3 of the main guide system, and is assembled, preferably removably, at the plane P4 of symmetry to a support member 40.
- the arms 5 are pivotable about the axis A2 to move the support module between its two positions.
- the first additional guidance system 5 comprises a bar 51 disposed parallel to the axis Al rotation assembled by its ends to the two support members, preferably removably.
- the bar has a generally triangular, wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape with a so-called upper surface oriented towards the main guiding system when the roller is in the active position, a so-called external surface, substantially flat, facing outwards, and a so-called internal, concave surface, oriented towards the roll and whose concavity corresponds to the surface of the roll.
- the bar comprises two parallel rows of additional guide channels.
- the first additional channels 52 of a first row and the second additional channels 53 of the second row are arranged in staggered rows.
- additional channels are open and are formed of grooves, formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the bar, and opening on the upper surface.
- the first channels 52 are formed of grooves formed on the concave inner surface of the bar
- the second channels 53 are formed of grooves on the outer surface.
- the downstream edge 114 of the main guiding system may have a convex cylindrical surface, the bar of the additional guiding system then having a concave upper surface of shape. corresponding.
- the bar 51 is disposed vis-à-vis the downstream edge of the main guide system, its first additional channels 52 are arranged in the extension of the first guide channels 113a of the first sheet arranged according to the plane PI , and its second additional channels 53 are arranged in the extension of the second guide channels 113b of the second sheet disposed along the plane P2.
- a guide plate 54 removably mounted on the bar, against the outer surface.
- the module is furthermore equipped with heating means formed here of an infrared lamp 71 for heating the fibers coming out of the additional guidance system, and / or the mold and / or the fiber strips already applied upstream of the compacting roller, just before the compacting of the strip by the roller, in order to at least soften the binder and thus promote the adhesion of the strips together.
- the lamp 71 is mounted on at least one of the two support members and is disposed downstream of the roll 3 with respect to the lay-up direction S2.
- the module is equipped with a compacting wedge 74 arranged downstream of the roll with respect to the direction of advancement of the head, this wedge making it possible to guarantee compaction over the entire width of the band, in particular during corner passages, as described in patent document EP 2 414 152.
- the second additional guiding system 6 comprises first flexible tubes 64 and second flexible tubes 65 mounted on the module by means of a bar 60 which is arranged parallel to the axis Al, and assembled by its ends to the two support members 40, preferably removably.
- the bar has a concave upper surface oriented toward the main guide system when the module is in the uncompressed position, two side surfaces and a lower downstream surface.
- the bar comprises first and second additional channels 62, 63, arranged in a staggered manner, opening on the upper surface and the lower surface.
- the bar 61 is disposed opposite the downstream edge of the main guide system, its first additional channels 62 are arranged in the extension of the first guide channels 113a, and its second additional channels 63 are arranged in the extension of the second guide channels 113b.
- the first and second flexible tubes 64, 65 are mounted at one end respectively in said first and second additional channels 62, 63.
- the head When the module is in the application position without compaction, the head can be used for the application without compaction of fibers in both draping directions S2 and S3.
- the module is equipped with heating means, formed here of a first infrared lamp 72 and a second infrared lamp 73, mounted symmetrically on either side of the bar 60, for heating the fibers coming out of the flexible tubes, and or the mold or strips of fibers already applied, respectively in the lay-up direction S2 and in the lay-up direction S2.
- the support module is maneuvered between its two positions by an actuating system (not shown), for example formed of a cylinder whose cylinder is fixedly mounted on the head relative to the main guide system and whose cylinder rod is assembled to an arm.
- an actuating system for example formed of a cylinder whose cylinder is fixedly mounted on the head relative to the main guide system and whose cylinder rod is assembled to an arm.
- the roll For drape compaction of a fiber web on a mold in the direction S2, the roll is brought into its active position by operating the module in the application position to the contact.
- the fibers guided in the channels of the main guide system are then guided in the additional channels 52, 53 of the bar 51 to then be applied to the mold by the roller.
- the module For layup without compaction of a fiber web in the S2 or S3 direction, the module is maneuvered in its application position without compaction.
- the fibers leaving the channels of the main guide system are guided in the additional channels of the additional guidance system, then in the flexible tubes to then be applied to the mold.
- the tubes are advantageously in contact with the application surface for guiding the fibers onto the application surface. Because of the flexibility of the tubes, they deform in contact with the application surface so that no compaction force is applied to the fibers. The force resulting from the friction between the tubes and the fibers already applied is small enough that the fibers already applied are not driven by the tubes.
- the head can be used for the manufacture of preform by application without compaction of fibers, by application with compaction of fiber via the roll, or by a combination of both types of application.
- an operation of compaction of fibers applied without compacting is preferably carried out before carrying out the application with compaction of fibers, the application with compaction being for example made to form reinforcements having mechanical characteristics in the preform.
- FIG. 12 illustrates a head 101 according to a third embodiment comprising, as previously, a support module 104 movable between two positions and carrying a first additional guiding system 106a for draping without compacting in the first direction S2, and a second additional guiding system 106b for draping without compaction in the second direction S3.
- Each additional guidance system 106a, 106b comprises as previously a bar 160a, 160b on which are mounted first flexible tubes 164a, 164b and second flexible tubes 165a, 164b.
- the flexible tubes 164a, 165a, of the first additional guiding system 106a are preloaded so as to be bent in the direction opposite to the direction S2.
- Flexible tubes 164b, 165b of the second additional guidance system 106b are bent in the opposite direction to the direction S3.
- the module is operated in a first position in which the fibers are guided in the flexible tubes 164a, 165a.
- the tubes are advantageously brought into contact with the draping surface.
- These curved tubes form a guide ramp for the fibers and ensure proper guidance of the fibers, while limiting the forces applied by the tubes on the application surface.
- the module is operated in its second position illustrated in Figure 12 in which the fibers are guided in the flexible tubes 164b, 165b.
- the tubes are advantageously brought into contact with the draping surface.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Composite Materials (AREA)
- Robotics (AREA)
- Moulding By Coating Moulds (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR1401061A FR3020778B1 (en) | 2014-05-09 | 2014-05-09 | METHOD AND MACHINE FOR MAKING PREFORMS BY NON-COMPACTING APPLICATION OF ORIENTED FIBERS |
PCT/FR2015/000090 WO2015170016A1 (en) | 2014-05-09 | 2015-04-28 | Method and machine for creating preforms by compactionless application of oriented fibers |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3140105A1 true EP3140105A1 (en) | 2017-03-15 |
Family
ID=50976746
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP15721761.3A Withdrawn EP3140105A1 (en) | 2014-05-09 | 2015-04-28 | Method and machine for creating preforms by compactionless application of oriented fibers |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3140105A1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR3020778B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015170016A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR3052699B1 (en) | 2016-06-20 | 2019-08-16 | Institut De Recherche Technologique Jules Verne | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A COMPOSITE MATERIAL PART, STEERING COLUMN BRACKET, AND LOWER BAY TRAVERSE PRODUCED BY SUCH A METHOD |
CA3042931A1 (en) * | 2016-11-11 | 2018-05-17 | Rolls-Royce Plc | Composite material lay-up equipment |
WO2020182674A1 (en) * | 2019-03-08 | 2020-09-17 | Kejora Gmbh | Method for flexible production of textile structures |
FR3109551B1 (en) | 2020-04-28 | 2022-04-29 | Inst De Rech Tech Jules Verne | Process for manufacturing a three-dimensional preform |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3226290C2 (en) * | 1982-07-14 | 1985-09-12 | Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm GmbH, 8000 München | Arrangement for the controlled depositing of fibers on a mold |
US6527533B2 (en) | 2000-12-29 | 2003-03-04 | Ford Global Technologies, Inc. | Processing systems for automated manufacture of preforms |
FR2940175B1 (en) * | 2008-12-19 | 2013-04-12 | Hexcel Reinforcements | HEAD FOR THE APPLICATION OF REINFORCING WIRES TO A REMOVAL SURFACE |
FR2943943A1 (en) | 2009-04-02 | 2010-10-08 | Coriolis Composites | METHOD AND MACHINE FOR APPLYING A FIBER BAND TO CONVEXED SURFACES AND / OR WITH AREES |
DE102011102950A1 (en) * | 2011-05-31 | 2012-02-16 | Daimler Ag | Laying head, useful for the deposition of fiber assemblies for the manufacture of textile preforms, comprises at least fiber supply device, placing roller and heating device for heating of thermally activatable bonding agent |
-
2014
- 2014-05-09 FR FR1401061A patent/FR3020778B1/en active Active
-
2015
- 2015-04-28 EP EP15721761.3A patent/EP3140105A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2015-04-28 WO PCT/FR2015/000090 patent/WO2015170016A1/en active Application Filing
Non-Patent Citations (2)
Title |
---|
None * |
See also references of WO2015170016A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
FR3020778B1 (en) | 2016-12-30 |
FR3020778A1 (en) | 2015-11-13 |
WO2015170016A1 (en) | 2015-11-12 |
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